Pūrākau Talks

Nelson Central School's Te Pouahi bilingual unit are thrilled to present an evening with extraordinary people who are healing the world through Māori storytelling, conservation and rongoā (traditional Māori medicine). Join them to celebrate Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori and Conservation week, with this exclusive event for the Tasman Region. Taonga Pūoro, waiata and audiovisuals, will complement the speaker's presentation.

Robert McGowan - Ngāi Pākehā
Rob is one of the foremost national experts on rongoā Māori (traditional Māori medicine). He is affectionately known as "Pā" to many and is skilled in the use of Māori medicinal plants in a cultural context. He is passionate about passing on his knowledge so it is retained as part of the care and interconnection between people and the earth. Pā will share his awe-inspiring story weaving his experiences as a former priest, fluent Te Reo Māori speaker and indigenous flora restoration champion/custodian.

Joe Harawira - Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Maniapoto
Arguably the most acclaimed and travelled Māori storyteller in the world today. Joe has traversed the globe telling and performing our stories in Te Reo Pākehā and Te Reo Māori for the last 36 years. He has been employed by the Department of Conservation for the past two decades and is actively sought after for his storytelling, commitment to conservation and kapa haka. Joe’s premise is that everyone is a storyteller; everyone has a story to tell. Joe will transfix and entertain you with "the power of story".