29/05/2026
Fabulous Friday – 29th May
We had a full house today! It was awesome to see some familiar faces return, along with lots of new faces joining us.
After our check-in, we got busy making Tūpākihi balm and Kawakawa lip balm, sharing knowledge and enjoying time together in the whare.
Papa Joe also shared some of the history of Tuia Maara Whenua and spoke about his desire to see our TUIA Maara Whenua nursery and the whare there completed as soon as possible. A key part of our kaupapa is to return rākau back to the whenua for planting. We cannot continue to only take from Tāne Mahuta — we must also reciprocate by giving back to our ngahere.
Our nursery site at the end of Melba Street provides us with that opportunity. This remains an important moemoeā of our kaumātua, and one that our rōpū is committed to bringing to life.
Thursday 28th May – Ngahere Haerenga
We also spent a fantastic day in the ngahere at Raetea Forest with the Te Rangi Aniwaniwa Hauora Academy. Activities included plant identification, harvesting rongoā plants, preparing plant material for oil infusions, and making balms and lip balms.
Another great week of learning, sharing, and strengthening our connection to Te Taiao. 🌿💚
