Te Rau o Rongo Charitable Trust
Formed in June 2023, Te Rau o Rongo Charitable Trust is on the tongi (boundary markers) of Ngati Mutunga and Te Atiawa is a 5 acre Māori food farm in North Taranaki. It’s led by Pounamu Skelton as the Kai-Whakahaere (Founder), and Kim Skelton (Chair), with Huia Lambie, Te Kahurangi Skelton, and Susan Hutchinson as Trustees. Pounamu Skelton says that “Te Rau o Rongo means the multiple ways to find peace and harmony with self and connection to environment. It's about creating a sanctuary where healing becomes a way of life. Through activities grounded in Matauranga Māori (traditional knowledge) and hands-on experiences, we're embedding healing into action. At Te Rau O Rongo, we focus on the realm of Rongo-Mā-Tāne (God of peace, kumara and all cultivated foods), and we help whānau rediscover their relationship with the land and themselves through Mara Kai (garden). It’s a revitalizing journey that reconnects us to the land, and invites us all to walk through the bush, breathe in the pure air, and reconnect with Papatūānuku (Mother Earth)."
“For 28 years, I dedicated myself to healing people through mirimiri, a traditional massage," Pounamu shares. "However, I felt my impact wasn't significant enough. When the opportunity arose to transform Te Rau o Rongo into a Māori food farm and educational space, I seized it. We have created a haven for whanau to come, learn, Gardening has been my solace since my teenage years, so witnessing the remarkable self-healing journeys since starting this mahi (work) is what drives me. I've seen miracles unfold, like wahine (women) finding peace and whānau (family) overcoming addiction while tending to the soil. This drive to facilitate healing through the māra kai (gardening) fuels my work and ensures that the vision of healing and connection remains vibrant.”
Pounamu provides an insightful overview of the current status of Te Rau o Rongo "As we stand today, our project is flourishing in the infrastructure and foundation phase, fondly known as the whariki stage. Focusing on this phase, we have expanded our kai (food) cultivation to include 25 varieties of berries in our berry whare (house) that we just put up, aiming to grow even more kai on our papakainga in the future. To ensure kai resilience and future-proofing of our papakainga, we've implemented water harvesting, securing sufficient water for all our mara kai and sheep. We’re also planting 1,000 native trees this winter which will be restorative for the whenua and also a place to pick, harvest, and experience rongoa (medicine).”
Pounamu explains that Tatai tangata ki te Whenua programme strengthened by the generous koha (gift) of a tunnel house from Taranaki iwi, has become a cornerstone of sustainable growth and education for the community. “This tunnel house has allowed us to grow seedlings for our uri (decendents), which is integral to our Tataitanga ki te Whenua programme. Now in its third year with close to 300 whanau completing either fully online or hybrid courses, the Tataitanga programme was written specifically for Taranaki iwi and has now expanded to include Taranaki, Te Atiawa, and Ngati Mutunga. Open only to uri of these iwi (tribe), the programme runs from October to April, teaching home gardening and easy starter kits. We emphasize growing kai, especially tupuna (ancestors) kai like kumara (sweet potato), guided by the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar) to help whānau through seasonal tohu (signs) such as the season of rest and the right time to grow. Our whānau are enthusiastic about their mara progress, saving $60 weekly, which enhances cash flow and strengthens family connections." This programme not only fosters sustainable gardening practices but also reinforces family connections and financial savings, making a lasting impact on whānau.
Pounamu explains her vision for scaling Te Rau o Rongo.
“We aspire to provide a place of healing, a place of education and a place to purchase something that is nourishing for the body, so we’re in the works of creating Te Rau o Rongo products. We hope to grow life-giving items that are designed to support Papatūnuku, but also give mauri (vitality) back to tangata (person). These products will foster a deeper connection between people and the land, promoting holistic well-being.”
Pounamu reflects on how this aspirational vision is being supported by Kia Kotahi Ako. We are incredibly grateful for the funding from Kia Kotahi Ako, which has allowed me to enroll in a Business Launch Pad programme. This programme is a crucial step in our journey to scale, equipping me with the skills and mātauranga (knowledge) needed to expand our operations and programmes more effectively. I will be completing this programme in the winter months, a slower period that allows me to focus on learning without the immediate pressures of the growing season. Through this education, we aim to develop robust strategies for growth, ensuring that Te Rau o Rongo can reach and benefit more whānau while maintaining our core values.
Pounamu highlights the various partnerships that extended beyond Kia Kotahi Ako "We have collaborated with key partners in Taranaki Iwi has been instrumental in supporting our initiatives, while the Toi Foundation has provided essential infrastructure support. The New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) has partnered with us on food security projects, ensuring our community has access to nutritious kai. Tui Ora has also been involved, particularly in our Wāhine Atua programme, which supports young mums. We've also engaged with Māori kaiako (teachers) from kindergartens in one-off professional collaborations.” These partnerships are crucial in creating a positive impact within the community.
More support is needed to take Te Rau o Rongo to the next level, Pounamu says. "I really need a little minion. Currently, we rely heavily on volunteer efforts from my whānau, but to sustain and expand our impact, we need to attract more funding to hire a staff member. Having another person on board would allow us to manage our growing initiatives more effectively and ensure the smooth operation of our programmes. Additionally, we invite further development and partnership opportunities that can provide resources and expertise to help us scale.
“One important aspect is our commitment to empowering wāhine, ensuring they find and use their voices. Our work primarily focuses on creating opportunities for wāhine to be heard, recognizing their potential for mana motuhake (autonomy). We are dedicated to fostering an environment where wāhine can thrive, free from gender bias, and are actively nurtured and encouraged. My ethos is centered on facilitating empowerment, ensuring wāhine feel valued and important. Additionally, we aim to empower all Māori to reconnect with their indigenous systems of growing, reinforcing their mana motuhake and tino rangatiratanga (self-determination). This holistic approach is crucial to our mission, ensuring everyone involved feels empowered and connected to their cultural heritage.”