Pounamu Skelton is a māra kai educator, Rongoā Māori practitioner, Hua Parakore kai producer and founder of Maara o Rongo organic skincare.

For over a decade she has taught iwi and whānau to grow their own kai, helping 660 households reclaim food sovereignty and reconnect with the whenua, their whakapapa and themselves.

Events

This is not ordinary. It is an unfolding — a return to the senses, a slowing of breath, a remembering.

Come and spend time among the rākau. Let the taiao hold you as you gather, create, and craft rongoā with your own hands, for your own wellbeing.

We know that you are unique — so your rongoā should be too. That is the gift we offer: something made just for you.

Book tickets here:
https://events.humanitix.com/rongoa-wananga

This is what others said about the Rongoā Wānanga

I loved being encouraged to create a bespoke blend of tea for my own therapeutic needs.

Very therapeutic as we made our own Pani and the knowing of all the good rongoa of the hinu we used in the balm

Growing Kai with the Maramataka

Discover the maramataka and the wisdom of the mātauranga Māori approach to māra kai.

Pounamu Skelton (Te Āti Awa, Taranaki, Ngāti Ruanui) leads a kōrero to help you understand the environmental cues or tohu to guide your gardening practices.
Discover practical strategies for planning, sowing, transplanting, and harvesting by observing nature's rhythms, as well as maintaining the mauri of your māra through preservation.

Tickets available
https://events.humanitix.com/growing-with-the-maramataka

Botanical Drinks workshop

Sip, create and unwind in the garden

Looking for something different to do with your workmates, your girlfriends, or while you're visiting Taranaki?
Come and spend two hours at Te Rau o Rongo, a peaceful space where you'll handcraft your own botanical drink from plants grown right here.

Just 25 minutes north of Ngāmotu, you'll be surrounded by flowers, native trees and friendly lambs. You'll learn about the herbs, blend your own creation, and leave feeling refreshed, inspired and connected to the whenua.

It's perfect for:
🌿 Team building and Xmas work celebrations
🌸 Birthdays, hen's days and catch-ups with friends
🌱 Visitors looking for a true taste of Taranaki

What's included:
✨ A 2-hour hands-on workshop
✨ Refreshments on arrival
✨ A bottle of your favourite botanical mocktail to take home
✨ A recipe card so you can recreate it anytime

$60 per person · Minimum 3 guests

How to book

Email Pounamu Skelton [email protected] with your preferred date and time and the number of guests attending.
Pounamu will confirm availability, and a 20% non-refundable deposit will then secure your booking.

Planning a larger group or a special occasion? Get in touch and we'll create an experience just for you.