The Māra Session

The Māra as Medicine: Faren Taylor's Journey to Healing

In this episode of The Māra Sessions, Faren Taylor shares her powerful true story a journey from despair to abundance, found through reconnecting with Papatūānuku.

Faren opens up about the moment the māra became more than a garden it became medicine. As Kai Oranga tutor she's spent her life helping others find that same healing, one seed at a time.

She also shares how she weaves maramataka into her māra practice, how she's adapting to our ever-changing climate, and leaves us with a practical tip on the best way to start growing this season.

Want a shorter social caption version too?

In this heartfelt episode, Rawinia Leatherby shares her lifelong connection to growing kai, supporting her community, and reviving traditional practices in modern contexts. Discover her stories of whanau resilience, re-engaging with tūpuna practices, and fostering food sovereignty across her iwi and wider community.

·       Rawinia's early memories of kai growing and traditional kai gathering practices on coastal Taranaki

·       Innovative programs like Tatai Tangata ki Te Whenua and Te aka tuwhenua

·       The role of maramataka in everyday work life

·       Stories of intergenerational learning, weaving harakeke nets, and fishing traditions

·       Rawinia’s insights on kai resilience, sovereignty, and collective action across iwi

This podcast has been brought to you by Te Rau o Rongo Charitable Trust with host Pounamu Skelton

www.terauorongo.org

Acknowledgements to NPDC for the sponsorship