July 14, 2021
Rawene hospital embraces rongoa
Hauora Hokianga is planting more native trees to develop a wellbeing and healing pathway around its hospital at Rawene.
Project manager Jessie McVeagh says Ara Rongoā Hikoi Whakaora also includes fruit trees and maara kai or gardens with plants that can be used for well-being plans.
Community involvement is encouraged.
The Taumata Rongoā service was established by volunteers last year and recently became part of Hauora Hokianga after receiving funding from a Northland DHB rongoā Māori pilot programme.
It means traditional healing practices can now be offered alongside conventional medicines.
Training establishment Ringa Atawhai Mātauranga and rongoā practitioner Amy Bristow are running level 3 and 4 certificate programmes for hospital staff and community members, increasing the number of qualified practitioners and making the service sustainable.
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