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Romiromi Pop-Up Koha Community Clinic

  • Awhi Yoga & Wellbeing Level 2, 15 Johnston Street Wellington New Zealand (map)

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, AWHI is opening its Wānanga studio (Studio B) as a pop-up koha romiromi clinic!

Each session will run 20-30 minutes; no bookings - drop-ins only! Our cozy lounge will be open for you to enjoy complementary cups of tea or a read from our pae pukapuka if there’s a small wait.

Romiromi is a form of traditional Maori bodywork that provides deep physical, emotional and spiritual healing (Ro- to stimulate Mi - organs). Using haemata (pressure points) these are the gateways for removing stored trauma and energy blocks providing both a physical & emotional release so you can move forward into your unlimited potential. Romiromi is safe for all bodies, ages and abilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is romiromi?

A traditional form of Maori Bodywork - romiromi uses haemata (pressure points) to release trauma, emotions and dense energy stored in the body.

Does it hurt?

The pressure for romiromi is often deep as the kairomiromi will use elbows, forearms and sometimes hands and the tips of fingers to place firm pressure on haemata. The kairomiromi will generally stay on a haemata until there is a shift or detox. However the depth of pressure is only possible if the whaiora (person seeking wellness) is willing to receive it and ready for the release. As romiromi works at your own pace it is not possible for any energetic block to be released without full permission from the whaiora at both a physical and spiritual level. Romiromi is not designed to cause pain and the kairomiromi will never take the pressure beyond what is comfortable. It is important during the session to use breath work to aid in the release and you are encouraged to make as much noise through the mouth as this is predominantly the escape route for dense energy.

Will I be sore after?

It is usual to feel a bit ‘tender’ after the romiromi but this is usually only in certain areas that are not often worked on or stretched like the calves and hips. This usually lasts for no more than 1 day after the romiromi and the feeling is often aided by drinking plenty of water after your session.

Can I go to work straight after my session?

It is advised you have some space after your romiromi session to process. Allow yourself at least a few hours of quiet time to relax particularly if it is your first romiromi session. Some whaiora can feel quite tired after romiromi but others can feel very energetic! So this very much depends on your personal processing style and your body’s response to romiromi. It is recommended to have some grounding kai once you get home.

Do you use oils?

No. Romiromi is done with the whaiora fully clothed so it is best to wear your most comfortable clothes.

Do you use a massage table or do you do traditional floor work?

I use a combination depending on the whaiora I am working with. Both have the same wonderful benefits the only difference is that for floor work our feet are also used to target the haemata and there is some “tramping of the Tinana” where I will stand on the whaiora’s back to target specific areas. I also use a rakau and there will be some tapping of the rakau on the floor to encourage vibrations from papatūānuku to aid in the healing process.

Any other questions? Please get in touch!


Meet Your Kairomiromi

This pop-up koha community clinic will be run by this experienced rōpū:

Michelle Campbell

Ko Moumoukai toku maunga
Ko Nuhaka toku awa
Ko Takatimu toku waka
Ko Tamakahu te marae
Ko Ngāti kahungunu te Wairoa, Rongomaiwahine & Ngāti porou toku iwi
Ko Rakaipaaka toku hapū 
Ko Michelle Campbell toku ingoa

I am the youngest of two daughters and whakapapa to the East Coast on my Papa's side and Coffs Harbour Australia on my Mama's side but also have decent lines to Scotland and Ireland.   Since 2014 I have been on a journey of self healing and discovery and attended my first romiromi wānanga learning from kaiako and other kairomiromi. After the turbulence of 2020 I felt the call to share that knowledge and opened my private whare clinc in the Central North Island where I also run a monthly community clinic in exchange for koha.  It has been a privilege to share and hold space with whaiora on their journey to seeking wellness. Mauri ora!

Reanne Tawharu

Kia ora koutou katoa

Ko Ngāti Raukawa ki te tonga me Ngāti Ruanui oku iwi.
E noho ana ahau ki Pae tu mokai o tauira ki Wairarapa. 
He Kairomiromi ahau.
Ko Reanne Tawharu tōku ingoa. 

I have been working as an intuitive bodyworker for the past 16 years. 3 years ago unexpectedly, I had the privilege to connect to Rongoā Maori through the ancient healing art of Romiromi. Over these years I have been navigating my own journey towards self love and determination, while also supporting our collective whānau to do the same. 

My gift has always been to follow the energetic lines and vibrations of the tinana to unblock stagnant energy that is causing dis-ease. I follow the philosophy of Te Whare Tapa Wha. For all to be well, all pillars of the whare must be strong, to sustain us through life.

TAHA WAIRUA
TAHA TINANA
TAHA HINENGARO 
TAHA WHĀNAU.

I love the mahi that I do in supporting our collective whānau, to unblock the pathways that have become stagnant and no longer serve purpose. 

I do not consider myself a healer. I am an agitator, a stimulator and an activator, with the sole purpose to activate the healer within you. To heal the mamae of the past, so you can step forward confidently into the future. 

Te Kore, ki Te Pō, ki Te Ao Mārama

“Out of nothingness, into the night, into the world of light”

Anina Cowie

Ko Ruapehu te maunga e rū nei taku ngākau
Ko Te Moana o Te Awahou e mahea nei āku māharahara
No Hamoa me Niue oku tīpuna
E mihi ana ki ngā tohu o nehe, o Te Papioeia e noho nei au
Ko Anina toku ingoa
Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa

I was blessed to be born into a whānau of indigenous healers and cooks. Although I did mahi a tinana from the age of 7, I finally reclaimed my role in this space at the end of 2019, beginning of 2020.

I empower any being who I am privileged to share space with. I work in all realms to assist whaiora to release what is needed and plant seeds for transformation to living a life that is without pain - physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally. You and I alongside our tīpuna come together to create magic.

I am honoured to be connecting with you soon.

Tania Barnes

Tēnā koutou 
Ko Ngatokimatawhaorua te Waka 
Ko Pūhanga Tohorā te Maunga 
Ko Taheke te Awa 
Ko Hokianga te moana 
Ko Tahekeroa te Marae
Ko Ngāpuhi te iwi 
Ko Ngāti Pakau te hapū
Ko Rahiri tōku Tūpuna 
Ko Pou toku Whānau
Ko Barnes toku Pakeha Whangai Whanau 
Ko Tania tōku ingoa 
Tihei Mauri Ora!

I have felt, heard, seen and known things since my childhood. My whangai mother nurtured and upheld the mana of my gifts so one day when the time was right I could develop these if I chose. Through my adult life I have followed many modalities but I knew that I needed to go back to who I was. In 2020 I discovered Rongoā Māori and was finally able to attend Wānanga.  This has enriched my practise beyond my own belief at times. I feel honoured and blessed to be able to step into this tapu space with whaiora and so grateful to share in their wellbeing journey. 

Whetumarama Walker

Ko Whetumarama Walker tōku ingoa Māori. I whakapapa up to Waikato and across to the East Coast but grew up in the Wellington Region. I also have English and Scottish descent. In 2019 I did my first workshop to learn the foundations of mirimiri and I have been on a fast-forwarded journey since then. It is known deep in my manawa (heart) that romiromi is my purpose and my passion. I really look forward to connecting with you soon.

Shianda Pukeroa

Tēnā koutou katoa,

He uri tēnei nō Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga ā Mahaki, Whakatohea me Ngāti Kauwhata hoki
Ko Shianda Pukeroa tōku ingoa
I whānau mai au i Turanga-nui-ā-Kiwa
E tipu ake au i Te Papaioea me noho tonu au ki reira
Nei rā tuku mihi aroha kia koutou katoa

Hello everybody, my name is Shianda Pukeroa 
I descend from Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga ā Mahaki, Whakatohea me Ngāti Kauwhata 
Born in Gisborne, raised in Palmerston North and live there still 

Honored and grateful to share my gifts of aroha with the community and work alongside an amazing roopū of kaiwhakaora/healers next month.

Mauri Ora

Earlier Event: October 1
Form Follows Function: Movement Workshop
Later Event: October 15
Hormone Health