Rongoā rākau – an introduction to Māori herbal medicine

Join one of our knowledgeable and engaging local rongoā practitioners on a gentle walk in the ngahere. Explore the forest together and identify plants and trees used in traditional Māori healing and wellbeing, learning about the properties of local plants. They will introduce you to the tikanga associated with harvesting, preparing and using plants for rongoā from their own experiences. These tours are generally with small groups and offer the opportunity to ask questions. Rongoā rakau is about an intimate relationship with nature – what better place to explore this than Sanctuary Mountain Maungatuatari? Make a day of it and book in for a Mirimiri Traditional Maori Massage as well.

More about your guides

Ringi Morgan-Fifield

Ringi remembers her mother using rongoā Māori, especially kumarahōu for chest complaints, runa/dock leaf for cuts, blue gum for inhalation during head colds and fresh branches used as a fly deterrent, koromiko for diarrhoea or constipation, mānuka for blocked nose, head colds, and chest complaints.

As an enrolled Nurse her career has covered hospital care and community service from Waikato to Tokoroa to Napier. Ringi has also spent the last 20 years with Te Kohanga Reo where mokopuna health and wellbeing is of the utmost importance.

Since moving back to Waikato and setting up a home at Pōhara marae she has thoroughly enjoyed getting back to nature, learning about rongoā Māori and achieving a diploma through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Ringi has volunteered at Maungatautari Sanctuary Mountain, weeding gardens and sharing knowledge about the trees and plants with the guiding team.

Jamie Hiriaki

Jamie's knowledge is underpinned by her upbringing (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Ngāti Hikairo), where from childhood, her grandmother, nana and great-aunts would use rongoā for healing.

After becoming a mother and being influenced by her work in a kindergarten that followed a Rudolf Steiner holistic approach to education and living, her passion for rongoā was reignited. Completing formal studies, Jamie has achieved the Appreciation for Rongoā Māori course and a Diploma of Rongoā Māori through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. 

Jamie has also trained in Romiromi, a holistic form of spiritual bodywork. As an avid learner, she is currently studying with Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, in a Kai Oranga course that teaches Food Sovereignty and Hua Parakore (Māori Organics).

Jamie also offers Mirirmiri Traditional Māori Massage at Sanctuary Mountain®.

By booking on this tour your contribution helps Sanctuary Mountain® continue to protect the rare and endangered species that live wild on Maungatautari.

Please check in at least 10 minutes prior to your tour at Manu Tīoriori visitor centre.

• Here you will pick up your Sanctuary Explorer Pass and visitor guide map and receive instructions as to where to meet your guide.
• This is a 75 - 80 minute guided tour into Te Tūī ā Taane southern enclosure.

This tour includes a complimentary Sanctuary Explorer Pass, for use during daylight hours on the day of its issue.

Standard booking terms and conditions apply.