Educational Links

Robert McGowan is a Pākehā man from Whanganui who has over the years gathered knowledge in traditional medicine. He is now running workshops across the country, teaching the importance of healing the land and the body through traditional practices.

Attending a workshop with Donna Kerridge (Waikato Tainui) is much more than an introduction to the medicinal values of our native bush. Rather it is an insight into a whole system of looking at health.

In a ramshackle shed, Rob McGowan drags his fingertips through a green blanket of totara seedlings that will one day be planted through the Waitao Valley.

Article by The Weekend Sun - 2016

Rongoā practitioner Donna Kerridge explains how to make a simple decoction for respiratory conditions and digestion.

Article by The Spinoff 2017

Tiwaiwaka, by Joydah Mae.
Written at the Tiwaiwaka Hui Jan 2020.

℗ 2021 Joydah Bernardo

Released on: 2021-03-31

From Catholic Priest to a Rongoa practitioner and founder of the Tiwaiwaka movement, this is a unique yarn with a very wise man. Such a privilege to hear this story.

Restoring erodible land in New Zealand into native forests has been a challenging and costly process, limiting private landowners' participation in large-scale projects. However, a report funded by Our Land and Water reveals a promising solution - the Tīmata Method - featuring Pa McGowan.

ENVIRONMENTAL DOCUMENTATION OF THE BAY OF PLENTY & LAKES DISTRICT - featuring Pa McGowan