Wai Oro Oro
Four-month online wānanga
A foundation in Māori spirituality, self-healing and spiritual protection.
Return to the source. Reconnect with self. Explore the teachings of Whare Waananga Lore with Ruatau Perez, through a shared journey of learning, reflection and practice.
Explore the journeyThe spring of learning
Te Wai Puna is a foundational journey into Māori spirituality and traditional healing philosophies. It invites you to explore your relationship with whakapapa, wairua, whenua and the interconnected nature of wellbeing.
Through ngā kaupare, a form of spiritual protection, you will be encouraged to slow down, reflect and reconnect with the wisdom and potential already within you.
Who it’s for
Te Wai Puna welcomes anyone drawn to Māori spirituality, self-healing and personal reconnection. You may be reconnecting with your Māori heritage, exploring your spirituality, or seeking a deeper understanding of traditional Māori healing.
No previous experience or formal qualifications are required. Bring respect for mātauranga Māori, a willingness to learn and reflect, and an open heart.
You will need a computer, tablet or smartphone and a reliable internet connection.
What you’ll explore
Who holds this space
Ruatau is of Ngāi Tūhoe and Ngāpuhi descent, and also honours his Pasifika, Spanish and Portuguese whakapapa. He brings over 25 years of experience in mātauranga Māori, rongoā Māori and traditional healing practices.
The teachings he shares are grounded in the mātauranga passed down to him through Papa Joe, Hohepa Delamere. This whakapapa of knowledge continues to guide his practice and the wānanga he holds today.
Ruatau founded Te Ara Teatea Charitable Trust in Ōtautahi, Christchurch, establishing a Rongoā Māori Whare Hauora and supporting the learning of future practitioners. Through Wai Oro Oro, he shares the teachings online, connecting people across oceans and beyond geographical boundaries.
He also holds in-person wānanga and retreats, provides mentoring and cultural support for rongoā practitioners, and offers private sessions in Bangalow, NSW, and Christchurch. For Ruatau, this mahi is a lifelong journey of learning, embodying and sharing the teachings.
“It was an honour to have studied under Papas tutelage while he was alive and I continue to be guided by him through wairua/spirit. Weaving the threads between Papatūānuku and Ranginui, guided by the Whare Wananga Lore, Nga Atua/gods and our own Tūpuna/ancestors I am humbled to weave the ancient Māori philosophies into this modern ever changing world.”
Ruatau Perez
Yes. Te Wai Puna welcomes those reconnecting with their Māori heritage. You can begin where you are, with an open heart and a willingness to learn, reflect and explore your relationship with whakapapa, wairua and whenua.
No. Te Wai Puna welcomes anyone drawn to these teachings. Bring respect for mātauranga Māori, an open mind and a willingness to honour the way the knowledge is shared.
The wānanga draws on classical reo and the meanings carried within the teachings. Those with te reo Māori can explore these connections as they deepen their understanding of the kaupare and Whare Waananga Lore.
No. Te Wai Puna is a foundation for those beginning their journey as well as those returning to the kaupare. Respect for the teachings and a willingness to learn are what matter.
Recordings of the live calls will be uploaded to your member portal, so you can return to the kōrero alongside the course materials.
The shared programme runs over four months. You will have access to the course materials for 12 months.
You will receive an acknowledgment of completion recognising your commitment to the learning. Te Wai Puna does not currently provide formal accreditation.
These teachings are shared for your personal learning, development and connection with whānau. Please do not copy, redistribute or commercially reteach the course materials without permission. If you wish to use the mātauranga in teaching, research or other work, please kōrero with Ruatau first.
Want an introduction to the teachings first?
Explore the free Oko