Rongoaa aa Wairua - Spirit of the Plants Retreat
FULLY BOOKED
11-18 February 2024 | Tairua, Coromandel Peninsula
Join us for a week in February 2024 as we sit in Waananga together honouring te Tapu o te Waananga, te Tapu o te Whenua me te Tapu o te Tangata. This waananga will be held at the Te Moata Retreat Centre. Te Moata is a purpose-built retreat centre sitting on 344 hectares of pristine native bush in the Coromandel Peninsula
About this Waananga
As the resurgence of Rongoā Māori is increasing, it is important we remember and maintain our connection to our Tuakana. Rongoā Māori is about building a relationship with the Trees/plants and honouring our Role as Kaitiaki/Guardians of Te Wao Nui O Tane/the children of Tane. This Waananga focuses on the wairua embodiment of this sacred mahi. Upholding the Mana and Mauri of the Ngahere and Te Taiao and sharing the why (wairua) aspects.
Over 7 nights / 6 days we will dive deeply into the many dimensions of this mahi some of it including:
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Te Taha wairua / spiritual aspects of this mahi - using your whatumanawa and senses to communicate
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We will learn the importance of Whakapapa and share Takutaku to activate the healing properties within some of the Raakau we are connecting with
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Takutaku / ancient Incantations that connect us to the kaupapa of (w) holistic well-being
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Tikanga and Kawa/Traditions and Protocols of Rongoā Māori
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Connection and communication with the Rakau/Tuakana/Trees
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Understanding the importance of honouring Rahui aa Iwi & Rahui aa Atua & Rahui aa Tangata
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Understanding the Tohu/signs from Papatuuaanuku and Nga Atua
** Please note this waananga is not a “how to” so we will not be showing you how to “make” Rongoā (there are many people doing this). We believe that the Wairua/spirituality, Kawa and Tikanga around Rongoā Māori needs to be honoured first and foremost, which is why we will be sharing and focusing on the Whare Wananga LORE and Papa Hohepa Delameres teachings that he passed onto Ruatau Perez during his 10 years of training and making plant medicines with him. This is the first time this waananga has been shared extensively over a week.
This waananga is open to those who are heart led - dedicated to understanding and honouring Rongoaa aa Wairua. Rongoā practitioners, Kaiako, distributors, weavers, Kaimiri/romi and those wanting to start their Rongoaa journey or deepen their understanding and connection to the practice. Also those seeking a deeper understanding of Māorivalues and traditional practices.
Elements of this waananga will be shared for personal knowledge and practice. However, in order to protect this Mātauranga and our Ngahere there must be an understanding and agreement that those attending will not be able to exploit knowledge for commercial gains. A key reason we are sharing this is to ensure the sacredness and the Mauri of our Ngahere and ensuring Kawa is upheld in this mahi. For this waananga there will be a brief application process with your registration.
Retreat Centre
This Waananga will be held at Te Moata Retreat Centre. Te Moata is a purpose-built retreat centre sitting on 344 hectares of pristine native bush in the Coromandel Peninsula of the North Island of New Zealand. We will spend 7 nights in their lodgings with full vegetarian meals catered daily.
We will enjoy 6 full days and possibly some evenings of Waananga and ceremony. Delicious health conscious kai prepared with Aroha for the duration of Waananga (all dietary requirements catered for). This Waananga will be delivered in English and Te Reo Maori (no prior language/knowledge needed).
There will be a chill out zone available, for meditation, bodywork, quiet reflection etc onsite. There is also a fire circle and labyrinth. Quiet sacred spaces nestled by the streams for those who enjoy spending as much time outdoors as possible.
There is limited reception and wifi available so it will really be a week to unwind from the world, restore your mauri and fill your kete with sacred Matauranga.
To ensure a deep, engaging and connected experience for all, there are only 20 places available on this Waananga.
Time & Location
When: Sunday 11th - Sunday 18th February, 2024
Timings:
11th February: Arrival between 3-5pm
18th February: Departure 10am
Where: Te Moata Retreat Centre - Tairua, Coromandel Peninsula
The retreat centre is 10 mins from Tairua, Coromandel Peninsula. Transport to Tairua is not included in the retreat rate. However, we will connect you with others attending via a private facebook group to arrange rideshare or shuttles from Auckland. More information will go out after your registration is confirmed.
Itinerary
11th February: Arrival 3-5pm - Whakawhanaungatanga / Welcome and Introductions, Kai and settle into retreat centre
12th - 16th: Waananga
17th: Waananga day 6 and closing ceremony
18th: Morning pack up, final farewells and departure 10am
Exchange
7 nights accommodation, Waananga daily and all food catered during this retreat.
Full rate: $ 1,950 per person
Early bird: $1,750 (Paid in full at time of registering)
Deposit: $300 (deposit required when registering to secure your spot)
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Payment plans and credit card payment is available.
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Invoicing and receipts are all available as personal/professional development and training for those it aligns with their mahi.
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Final payment due by 10th Feb 2024.
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Deposits are non-refundable if cancelled within 30 days of retreat starting or we cannot fill your spot)
Accommodation
Private Sleeping cubicles with shared bathroom facilities: 22 curtained cubicles – cubicle rooms each with their own window and curtain.
Disability rooms and couples sharing queen beds can be arranged - please request this as part of the registration process if needed.
Te Moata Retreat Centre asks all retreatants to bring their own bedding, (sheets, pillowslips, duvet/sleeping bag, towels) as they have a limited supply of solar power to run a washing machine to do large quantities of washing.
Kai/Food
Te Moata employs a French Pâtisserie chef who cooks delicious vegetarian meals for retreats. The menu is wide and varied, and non-vegetarians often comment that they do not miss their usual foods. All meals are served buffet style. Breakfast includes a wide range of fruit, cereals, milks, yoghurt, and toasts. Fruit and vegetables are sourced from their own gardens whenever possible.
Breakfast: Buffet daily
Lunch: Varies daily
Dinner: Full cooked meal and dessert daily
All day selection of tea, coffee and herbals for everyone.
All dietary requirements can be catered for please advise when registering.
Registration & Payment
Kia ora, thank you for your interest in our Rongoaa aa Wairua - Spirit of the Plants Retreat waananga.
We have now SOLD OUT of all available spaces. To go on the waitlist for if we have any cancellations please enter your name and email below and we'll be in touch if a space becomes available for you.
Mauri ora!