Ki a Whaka…

17th December, 1865

Hocken Collection MS-0451-003/005

Unpublished

Rongoā was a traditional Māori system of healing that comprised diverse practices such as herbal remedies, physical therapies (massage and manipulation), and spiritual healing, for which tohunga (expert practitioners) were often responsible. One small example of a homeopathic remedy used by local Māori was recorded by Dr T. M. Hocken on 17 November 1865, when he was called to an inquest at the Taieri River Hotel on the death of a young five year old. Note the use of leaves from the kowhai, ngaio and karamu trees.