Iwi to use native bush to teach traditional medicine

Nga Potiki in Tauranga is to use native bush earmarked for return, to teach its young people about traditional Maori medicine.

The iwi recently signed a Treaty settlement with the Crown, which will include the return of coastal land in Papamoa and 10 hectares of scenic bush reserve on Otara Maunga.

Nga Potiki Trust chair Colin Reeder says the return of the land is significant for the iwi, which has strong ties to the ocean and whenua.

He has some ideas for how the ngahere (forestry) can be used for its young people.

Mr Reeder says the opportunity is there to teach them about the bush, and what plants to use at what time to harvest rongoa (Maori medicine), which is very exciting.

He says it is important to reconnect its younger descendants to the land.

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/231314/iwi-to-use-native-bush-to-teach-traditional-medicine