Hapūtanga

About this Waananga

Within te ao Māori, hapūtanga (pregnancy) has always been acknowledged as a tapu (sacred) and significant time for wāhine and pēpi. Traditionally, hapū wāhine were honoured as the carriers of the next generation - protected, nurtured, and supported through regular rongoā Māori practices. These practices not only ensured the physical well-being of both māmā and pēpi, but also strengthened the sacred connection between māmā, pēpi, tīpuna and Atua.

Through this lens, any psychological, emotional, energetic, or ancestral blocks to a smooth labour and birth were gently identified, acknowledged, and healed, creating space for a more aligned and empowered birthing journey.

This three-day Wānanga is for whānau and maternal health practitioners who wish to deepen their understanding of fertility, conception, pregnancy, and the Whare Tangata from a Traditional Māori perspective.

Over the course of the wānanga, we will explore:

• Romiromi and bodywork techniques to support fertility

• Takutaku and oriori for conception

• Pregnancy romiromi and mirimiri

• A birthing waiata to help guide pēpi safely into the world

• Rongoā Māori (plant medicines) traditionally gathered for wāhine

• Postpartum care and restoration of the whare tangata

• The significance of pēpi’s whenua (placenta) and its role

• Creating a peaceful, intentional, and high-vibration birthing environment

This wānanga honours the sacred relationships between Ngā Atua, Tīpuna, parents, pēpi, and Papatūānuku, and acknowledges the important role of tāne /birthing partners as protectors and supporters within the birthing journey.

We warmly welcome:

• Hapū māmā and whānau wanting to reclaim traditional birthing knowledge and practices

• Couples at any stage of their fertility or pregnancy journey, including those experiencing challenges

• Kaimahi, including mirimiri and romiromi practitioners wanting to deepen their understanding of fertility and hapūtanga support

Birth keepers, midwives, doulas, nannies, aunties, nurses, whānau, and support people.

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This mātauranga supports the strengthening of connection between whanau, recognising that conception and pregnancy is a shared journey. It also recognizes that traditionally, our tāne, fathers and grandfathers held vital roles in the birthing space, and this wānanga seeks to empower them to step back into that kaupapa in support of the birthing journey.

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The wānanga will be delivered in a blend of English and Te Reo Māori. No prior knowledge is required, only an open heart and mind to reclaiming our sacred and traditional ways.

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Inspired by our own lived experiences of conception, pregnancy, and birth, we offer this wānanga with deep intention to honour and uplift our traditional birthing practices for the well-being of our current and future generations.