In this captivating episode of our Taonga Pūoro podcast, join us as we journey with Libby Gray, a practitioner hailing from Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Rehia, Uepōhatu, and Tamaūpoko. Libby takes us on an exploration of her Taonga Pūoro practice while fondly reminiscing about the teachings of her late Kaiako, Rangiiria Hadley. With a dedicated focus on spreading the transformative concept of Taonga Pūoro hei Rongoā, Libby passionately shares her extensive skills with our community, particularly guiding wahine through the profound journey of hapūtanga (pregnancy), offering a holistic approach to wellbeing during this special time. Dive into this episode for a glimpse into the enriching world of Taonga Pūoro and its potential to nurture the spirit and body.
Elizabeth Gray aka Libby Gray
He uri ia nō Ngāti Rēhia, Ngāti Uepōhatu, Tama Ūpoko ki te awa o Wanganui me Ngāti Tūwharetoa anō hoki.
Elizabeth Gray’s’ passion for taonga puoro is deeply rooted in her affections for Mātauranga Māori and her compassion for healing others. The memory of a Putatara (Native conch shell) being unearthed from the backyard of her childhood in Napier, New Zealand, may have in turn unearthed her desire to reconnect others with the healing aspect of taonga puoro.
A practitioner of this ancient art, Elizabeth is researching Taonga Puoro and its traditional use as Rongoā. Elizabeth applied a variety of Taonga Puoro as rongoā throughout her own unique parenting journey.
Elisabeth Gray’s expertise, lived experiences & passion for inspiring a transformative resurgence of taonga puoro has led to multiple invitations to guest lecture & present to a wide range of audiences ranging from health professionals to theatres & concerts.
Libby Gray's Projects
An ongoing community project Elizabeth supports is Hapū Wānanga ki Tainui, where she attests to the healing aspects of taonga puoro by communicating her birth story through these captivating taonga. Here she is often found demystifying the colonial gender stereotypes in the practice of taonga puoro by demonstrating & explaining its connection with wahine and their whānau. One of Elizabeth’s priorities is to inspire wāhine Māori to reconnect & sustain their own healing traditions during pregnancy in the hope of embedding these ancestral arts for future generations.
Listen to our Oro Rua podcast featuring Libby Gray and Jo’el Komene on taonga puoro
