A qualitative study involving 49 practitioners and patients of Rongoā Māori across New Zealand has highlighted that when the land is well, the people are well. Themes identified from semi-structured interviews were: (1) land as an intrinsic part of identity; (2) land as a site and source of healing; (3) reciprocity of the healing relationship; and (4) the importance of kaitiakitanga/conservation to Rongoā Māori. Recommendations from the study were to: (1) reconnect with the land; (2) support Rongoā Māori healing; and (3) participate in the conservation and preservation of local land and waterways. The authors hope that as more is learnt about the connection between the land and Rongoā Māori, greater value will be placed on the need to conserve and preserve both the land and connections to it through traditional healing practices.
