Rongoā

Rongoā is a holistic healing system connected to the concept of hauora. It includes the use of native plants to heal both people and the environment. The collection and preparation of plants for rongoā involves tikanga specific to individual iwi and hapū. 

Species well known for their medicinal and healing properties include koromiko, harakeke and kawakawa. It is essential to have an understanding of the plants being used to ensure safety and protection of sources of rongoā. In preparation, parts of the plants such as roots and leaves can be made into poultices or tonics or simply chewed.

Ngāi Tahu Mahinga Kai video

• Rongoā – featuring Maurice Manawatu from Kaikōura

• Download a PDF of the video transcript here

Related resources

Articles

• Rongoā Māori – Science Learning Hub

• Te āta tiaki i ngā rongoā – Science Learning Hub

• Ngā rongoā o ngā repo – Science Learning Hub

• Te whakahoki mai i ngā rākau rongoā ki te repo – Science Learning Hub

• Te Reo Tipu – Science Learning Hub

• Tākuta Jonni Koia – Science Learning Hub

Videos

• Rongoā and repo – Science Learning Hub

• Tihei Taiao – tipu in te taiao, what our tīpuna used them for, their kai or rongoā uses and how to identify them – Te Amokura Productions

Collection

• Rongoā Māori  – Science Learning Hub