Every journey into rongoā Māori begins with connection — to each other, to te taiao, and to the mātauranga of our tūpuna. Our first wānanga begins with hakawhanaungatanga, creating a space for participants to connect and learn alongside one another. Participants are introduced to the tikanga and karakia that support the practice of rongoā Māori, including the importance of acknowledging the mauri of the ngahere and the principles of respectful harvesting.

Through a sensory-based learning experience, participants explore a range of native rongoā plants using sight, touch, smell, and, where appropriate, taste. By observing the unique characteristics of each plant, participants begin to build confidence in identifying rākau and tipu within their local environment.

Rather than simply memorising names, this wānanga encourages participants to slow down, engage their senses, and develop a meaningful relationship with te taiao. By understanding how a plant looks, feels, smells, and grows, we begin to deepen our connection to the mātauranga of our tūpuna and the taonga gifted to us by Tāne Mahuta.

This foundational wānanga lays the groundwork for the next stage of the journey as we venture into the ngahere to encounter these plants within their natural habitat.

Building on the foundations established in our first wānanga, participants are invited into the ngahere to experience rongoā Māori within its natural environment.

Beginning with hakawhanaungatanga and karakia, we acknowledge the mauri of the ngahere and prepare ourselves to learn from te taiao. Guided by experienced facilitators, participants explore local bush environments and encounter a variety of native rākau and tipu in the places where they naturally grow.

As we walk, we discuss plant identification, traditional uses, habitat, and the unique characteristics that help distinguish one species from another. Participants are encouraged to observe not only the individual plants, but also the relationships that exist between the rākau, the whenua, the waterways, and the wider ecosystem.

Through this hīkoi, participants deepen their connection to te taiao and gain a greater appreciation for the mātauranga Māori that teaches us to view the ngahere not as a collection of individual plants, but as a living, interconnected system.

This wānanga prepares participants for the final stage of the journey, where they will learn the tikanga of harvesting and the practical preparation of rongoā Māori.

The final wānanga brings together the knowledge, relationships, and experiences developed throughout the series as participants learn the tikanga of harvesting and the practical preparation of rongoā Māori.

Beginning with hakawhanaungatanga and karakia, we acknowledge the taonga gifted to us by Tāne Mahuta and the responsibility we carry as kaitiaki of te taiao. Participants are guided through the principles of respectful and sustainable harvesting, learning how to recognise healthy plants, harvest with intention, and ensure future generations can continue to benefit from these precious resources.

Through hands-on learning, participants prepare and create their own rongoā using traditional knowledge and contemporary practices. As we work, we explore the importance of tikanga, purpose, and reciprocity, recognising that rongoā is not simply about what we take from the ngahere, but about the relationship we maintain with it.

To conclude the series, we gather for a noho tahi, typically held over two days at a marae or similar venue. This provides an opportunity to strengthen the whanaungatanga that has developed throughout the wānanga, share knowledge, stories, kai, and reflection, and celebrate the journey we have undertaken together. By this stage, participants often arrive as individuals and leave as whānau, connected through a shared experience of learning, growth, and reconnection with te taiao.

This final gathering celebrates not only the preparation of rongoā, but also the relationships formed, the mātauranga shared, and the collective commitment to carrying this knowledge forward for future generations.