Haputanga and Pounamu Workshop by Te Kaha

10. - 12. April 2026

🌿 Haputanga — The Māori Way of Birthing 🌿
A sacred wānanga on pregnancy, birth & partnership
Join us for a unique immersive weekend exploring Haputanga, the ancient Māori teachings of pregnancy and birth, guided by respected Māori Elder and Birthkeeper Te Kaha (Ngāi Tūhoe, Aotearoa).

Rooted in traditions practised for thousands of years, Haputanga honours the deep connection between mother, partner (tāne), and baby, restoring the partner’s essential role in the birthing journey.

✨ What You Will Experience
🤍 Deep Connection
Learn how partners move from being sidelined to becoming active guardians of the birthing process — physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

🌿 Traditional Māori Practices
• Kōmiri — traditional Māori massage for pregnancy & birth
• Oriori — ancient use of sound, tone & vibration to guide, soothe, and protect baby and mother

🔥 Ancient Birthing Wisdom
Practical teachings on:
• Supporting contractions & pain relief
• Birthing positions
• Strengthening the baby’s wairua (spirit)
• Creating safety, trust & grounded presence

🌺 For Whom
Expecting couples • fathers & partners • doulas • birthworkers • anyone drawn to natural, holistic & indigenous birthing wisdom

🧿 Re-Empowering Partners & Men
Haputanga restores an ancient truth: “We are pregnant.”
In Māori tradition, partners were often the main kai mahi hapū (birthing doula) — present, prepared, and devoted.

“Our role is to support women physically, emotionally, and spiritually, to welcome these children who have chosen us as their guardians.”
— Te Kaha

🔥 Weekend Details
🕯 Start: Friday 20:00
🕔 Arrival from 17:00 (shared meal & gentle settling)
🕯 Finish: Sunday around 16:00

🌱 Included: stay, organic meals & all teachings
🟢 Sunday option: Pounamu Workshop — create your own Pounamu Māpiri for natural umbilical cord cutting

✨ A rare opportunity to reconnect with ancient Māori birthing wisdom.
We look forward to welcoming you into this sacred circle.