Tīkanga Pure: Reviving An Ancient Healing Practice

Reclaiming an ancient healing practice can be done through wānanga and observing those who still uphold its teachings today. A group of healers gathered along Te Oneroa-a-Tohe to restore the tradition of Pure, a formal cleansing process. Tangaroa Ngaropo-Tawio Pou, who was present at the wānanga along Te Oneroa-a-Tohe, said it was dedicated to the ancient teachings of Hohepa Delamere, who was a renowned Māori healer and rongoā Māori practitioner of his time. Permission was granted to hold this wānanga by a kaumātua of the area (Te Rarawa), Hone Paitai.