Dr Amohia Boulton
Gill Potaka-Osborne
Dr Tanya Allport
Donna Kerridge (Rongoā practitioner)
Dr Glenis Mark
This research project, exploring the deeper meaning of Rongoā Māori (traditional Māori healing), is a three-year HRC funded study hosted by Whakauae Research. Building on previous work undertaken by members of the research team, the research will identify and articulate the contribution that Rongoā makes to the health and wellbeing of the Aotearoa New Zealand population and to our environments, seek to reinstate wider understanding of the nature of Rongoā and restore a Māori philosophy of wellbeing to our communities
The project will collect data from both Rongoā practitioners and their patients. The data will be analysed and synthesised to create a map of the Rongoā biosphere as a graphic representation of the principles and practices of Māori healing.
The study commenced in September 2020, with ethics review and approval gained early in 2021. In Phase 2 of the study, we have successfully recruited and interviewed 49 participants from across the country, with several more interviews still to be conducted. In-depth case studies, involving Rongoā healers and patients who have participated in the interviews, are being carried out. We have found that both healers and patients are keen to share their perspectives on Rongoā Māori, and we have been delighted to hear their stories of growing up with Rongoā as an intrinsic part of their childhoods. Many have shared their experiences of healing, or of being healed, using Rongoā practices and have also shared the struggles they have experienced given the general lack of acceptance of healing principles and practices. Phase 2 data analysis has recently begun and will continue into the new year.
A recent Te Ao Rauropi interview and hui took place at Bushy Park, Whanganui, where the research team were also honoured to participate in an informative bush walk with Rongoā practitioner and advocate, Pa Ropata McGowan.
