Matariki

Matariki hunga, Matariki ahunga nui.

Matariki has many admirers, Matariki brings us together.

I am the star Matariki. I am the mother and Rehua the father, of the Matariki star cluster.

When you see me high and bright in the night sky, I will bring you wellbeing and good luck.

Rongoā Māori / Māori Medicine

Both Matariki and Rehua are regarded as having knowledge associated with healing and wellbeing.

From a Māori perspective, illness occurs when there is an imbalance between physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Rongoā, or healing, is inseparable from Te Wao Nui a Tāne, the forests of Tāne, the environment and the spiritual realm. It is the role of the tohunga (tribal experts) to address these relationships and restore balance.

Toitū te marae o Tāne, Toitū te marae o Tangaroa, Toitū te iwi.

Proper use of Tāne’s realm, of Tangaroa’s domain ensures humanity’s survival.

Traditionally, tohunga were responsible for the timing of the harvest of plants in accordance with the maramataka (lunar calendar). There are certain times during the year that plants are able to be harvested and used for healing.

You can visit a local rongoā garden at 565 Marshlands Road.