Ko wai mātou? About us
"Hailing from the beautiful Ngā Motu, our whānau has been dedicated to the study and practice of rongoā, traditional Māori healing, for over 20 years. With a passion for holistic wellbeing, founder, Te Raumahora has extensive experience in public health, mental health and addictions support, and suicide prevention. Our family has also been involved in hapū and iwi development, and cultural consultancy, working to empower and uplift our community.
Te Raumahora, a respected leader in our whānau, holds an impressive array of qualifications, including a Bachelor of Arts in Mātauranga Māori, a Postgraduate Certificate in Māori and Indigenous Leadership, and a Master's degree in Māori and Indigenous Leadership. Additionally, Te Raumahora has earned certifications in karanga, tikanga, Te Reo Māori, Māori Business Management, and Health Promotion, demonstrating a commitment to excellence in cultural knowledge and practice.
Te Raumahora has also held various governance roles, including positions with her hapū Ngāti Te Whiti, Te Kopae Tamariki Ki Ū Te Reo, Nga Mata Waka Kapahaka, and Taranaki Retreat.
Taiao Hema, another respected member of our whānau, has had an extensive career in mental health and addictions sector, cultural consultancy, and community development. He holds a Diploma in Mātauranga Māori and certifications in Te Reo Māori, Whaikōrero, Māori studies, Tikanga, and Māori Business Management. As Pou Hiwa for Te Papa Tipu Matihiko, he leads the organization's efforts to empower rangatahi through innovative education and digital technologies. Taiao continues to be an integral part of Papa Toa, our whānau's traditional healing practice, and has taken on the teachings of healing with native plants, ensuring the continuation of our ancestral knowledge and practices."
"At Papa Toa we are a family-driven entity dedicated to perpetuating the rich cultural heritage of Te Ao Māori. Our tamariki, the future custodians of our legacy, are actively engaged in our succession plan and receive their education at Kura Kaupapa Māori. Immersed in the values and principles of Te Ao Māori, they are nurtured to become proficient in the traditional practices of rongoā Māori, which is an integral part of our daily lives. This approach ensures the continuation of our ancestral knowledge and traditions, empowering the next generation to carry our vision forward."
