TE WHAKAPAPA O HONOHONO
Tohunga Riwai Pakerau
The history of Honohono traces back to the mid-1800s with Tohunga Riwai Pakerau, a revered healer from the Ngāti Porou tribe on the East Coast of Aotearoa, specifically from the small town of Waipiro Bay.
It is said that Riwai discovered Honohono through the art of Whakairo (woodcarving), which led to the profound connection with Io (the supreme god in Māori cosmology). Despite being blind, it is believed that Riwai’s sight transcended the physical world, opening him to a deeper vision—what is often referred to as the use of the whatumanawa (third eye), a heightened intuitive and spiritual perception.
Riwai began using Honohono to help heal anyone in need, which sparked controversy at the time, as this form of energy healing did not adhere to the traditional hierarchy of Māori Atua (Gods) or the teachings of Jesus, as understood by the settlers.
At that time, he was often described as a Faith Healer. He traveled around the central and lower North Island by horse and cart, led by some of his mokopuna (grandchildren), offering his healing services to anyone in need.
In 1907, the Tohunga Suppression Act was introduced, aiming to suppress practices like these. Under the guise of the Crown’s version of health and safety, it became illegal to practice Māori healing, with severe penalties: hefty fines or up to 18 months in prison for those who ignored the law.
Riwai’s method came directly from Io (our creator). There are specific tikanga and kawa (protocols and systems) that accompany this medicine, grounding it deeply in Māori traditions.
Riwai passed away in 1919, and it was only after his death that his artworks gained fame. However, his healing art nearly became lost to history.
Lineage
Honohono was passed down via wairua (spirit) to Sarah Janet Rangiuaia Deery, also known as Sally.
Sally passed this mātauranga (knowledge) down via wairua to Dion Rangiuaia Ma Ching Freeman and it is now passed on to you.
Whakapapa (Genealogy) is important!
It’s important to understand the origins of things, in order to know where we are going,
to know where we have come from.
Even trauma has whakapapa.
Learn more about our Upcoming Retreats
or Self-healing Online Workshops!
“Trauma, like all things, has whakapapa. It is passed through generations, carried in our bones and stories. But through understanding and acknowledgment, we can break the cycle, reclaim our strength and weave a new path of healing for those who came before and those yet to come.”
Photo Source: freepik.com