My Story

Matakite Rongoā Māori Healer

Whānau

From both sides of my whānau, they were the keepers of Tapu Wairua, the Sacred Spiritual knowledge of Te Atua Māori Gods and goddesses. I connect to Te Atua, the gods and goddesses Rangi, Rehua, Hine Nui te Po, Matariki, and Tangaroa.

I was raised in the Catholic faith and attended Catholic education, so Jesus and Mother Mary are my foundation. The Atua Te Māori and Anahera angels and my Tīpuna ancestors have always been a great source of comfort for me.

My Grandmother, Ngamako Rapana, taught my mother, Maureen Cochrane, the Ngāphui Rongoā rākau, Honohono, to help all people and pets.

My mother was Matakite, as was her father Wilfred Gillibrand, affectionally called Bill, and so was her brother George Gillibrand. George was an artist who worked in many mediums, including whakairo rakau wood carving.

My Koro Bill Gillibrand had in-depth knowledge in many areas of Rongoā. I was in awe of his Te kapehu whetū, the Māori star navigation compass. His whānau, the Subritzky’s of Houhora, Northland, were well-known for being seafarers and boat builders. He taught me so much about the Te Rongoā traditions of our iwi tribe and maintained our whānau.