Rongoā Māori Workshop | Titoki Education

A series of immersive wānanga in rongoā Māori are being offered throughout 2025, providing a rare and valuable opportunity to learn from experienced practitioners Rob McGowan and Donna Kerridge. These workshops guide participants through the tikanga, plant knowledge, and practical skills involved in the world of rongoā Māori.

The workshops are faciliated by Donna Kerridge and Bay of Plenty local Rob McGowan, who are also part of the Tīwaiwaka movement.

Kawakawa leaves. Images supplied; © Lian Soh.

Please note your place is not confirmed until the facilitators have received your course fee due to the high level of interest. All prices below include GST.

Rongoā 1

Participants are introduced to the ngahere and learn how to identify native plants and trees, alongside the tikanga involved in harvesting and caring for the bush. The course also shares tools and techniques—both traditional and modern—to help retain and apply knowledge in practical ways.

Tauranga Workshops – Aongatete Lodge, Katikati

• Option 3: Saturday 6 – Sunday 7 September 2025

• Option 4: Saturday 20 – Sunday 21 September 2025

• Time: 9.00am – 4.00pm both days

• Fee: $260 (accommodation available Saturday night, not catered)

• Optional Friday night accommodation: $60

Rongoā 2

A continuation of Rongoā 1 and a prerequisite for Rongoā 4. This workshop focuses on deepening knowledge of rākau Māori, harvesting protocols, preparation techniques, and kaitiakitanga of the ngahere.

Tauranga Workshops – Waitaia Lodge, Lower Kaimai

• Option 2: Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 October 2025

• Time: 9.30am Saturday – 4.30pm Sunday

• Fee: $420 (includes full catering and Saturday night accommodation)

Rongoā 3

Held in Kāwhia, this workshop offers a deeper connection to varied eco-regions and extends practical knowledge of plant uses and tikanga in harvesting.

Kāwhia Workshops – Te Kauri Lodge

• Option 1: Saturday 10 – Sunday 11 May 2025

• Option 2: Saturday 1 – Sunday 2 November 2025

• Fee: $420 (includes catering and Saturday night accommodation)

• Optional Friday night accommodation: $60

Rongoā 4 (medicine manufacture)

For those who have completed Rongoā 1, this workshop offers hands-on training in creating ointments, balms, creams, decoctions, poultices, and more—guided by tikanga and with a strong focus on safety, ethics, and care for the mātauranga.

Northland Workshops – Oakura

• Option 2: FULLY BOOKED (13–14 November 2025)

• Option 3: Sunday 16 – Monday 17 November 2025

• Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm both days

• Fee: $460 (includes materials and lunch both days)

• Please note: no accommodation at the venue. Limited to 15 participants.

For more information or to register, contact the workshop organisers directly.

Learn More | Register

Ngā mihi

Bay Science would like to warmly acknowledge Karen Tindall from Titoki Education for granting permission to share these rongoā Māori workshop details with our kaiako readers. We also thank Rob McGowan and Donna Kerridge for their continued leadership in this kaupapa.