Rongoā Māori Consultation Process

(ACC-aligned and tikanga-based)

1. Whakatau / Opening the Space

• Begin with whakawhanaungatanga — gentle kōrero to establish trust and connection.
• Karakia / purea to set a safe, tapu space for healing.
• Acknowledge the mana of the client (tūroro), their whakapapa, and the taiao that holds them.

2. Whakawhiti Kōrero / Gathering Information

• Listen deeply without interruption.
• Ask open questions to understand the kaupapa of their visit, such as:
• What brings you here today?
• How have you been feeling in your tinana, hinengaro, wairua, whānau?
• What supports do you already have in place? (e.g. rongoā rākau, GP, other healers, whānau).
• Explore their hauora through the four pillars (Te Whare Tapa Whā) or the biosphere model you use — but always within Māori frameworks of balance and mauri.
• Record only what is needed for clinical safety and care.

3. Aromatawai / Assessment

• Use observation (titiro), listening (whakarongo), touch if appropriate (whakapā), and wairua (matakite if it comes naturally).
• Consider:
• Tinana — physical health, injuries, pain.
• Hinengaro — thoughts, emotions, mental wellbeing.
• Wairua — sense of connection or disconnection, mamae or unsettledness.
• Whānau — social supports, relationships, environment.
• Acknowledge any diagnoses, medications, or medical advice already in place. Do not contradict or interfere — instead, seek ways Rongoā can complement safely.

4. Whakatau Kaupapa / Care Plan

• Together with the client, agree on what healing is needed and possible today.
• This may include:
• Mirimiri / Romiromi — bodywork to restore balance.
• Rongoā Rākau — tinctures, pani, teas, baths, as appropriate.
• Karakia / Waiata — to clear, lift, or strengthen.
• Whakawhiti Kōrero — reflective kōrero to support healing of hinengaro and mahara.
• Be clear about what you can and cannot offer.
• If issues are outside your role (e.g. psychiatric crisis, medical emergency), refer appropriately — this shows professionalism.

5. Mahi Rongoā / Healing Work

• Conduct healing in a way that is tika and pono:
• Always ask permission before touch.
• Maintain privacy and dignity.
• Uphold tapu and noa, ensuring the space remains safe.
• Work with rongoā rākau respectfully, acknowledging their whakapapa and mauri.
• Maintain simplicity — let Io and the natural processes do the work.

6. Whakakapi / Closing

• Conclude with karakia to whakanoa and release both practitioner and client.
• Offer grounding (e.g. water, kai, gentle kōrero) before they leave.
• Check how the client feels before they depart.

7. Whai Ake / Follow Up

• Provide aftercare advice where appropriate (rest, hydration, ongoing support).
• Record the session securely (Cliniko is ideal — encrypted, ACC-ready).
• Arrange follow-up sessions or referrals as needed.

Key Principles (ACC-aligned)

• Tikanga first: safe, respectful, culturally grounded.
• Stay in your lane: do not claim roles of doctors, counsellors, or psychiatrists. Rongoā complements, it doesn’t replace.
• Whakawhanaungatanga: relationships are the foundation.
• Karakia and purea: integral, but never coercive.
• Supervision and reflection: maintain your own wairua and safety.
• Mauri Ora: always aim to restore balance, dignity, and wellbeing.