AIO Healing

Paul Moon's reputation as one of New Zealand's foremost historians is well established. With this book, he explores new territory through his remarkable collaboration with the Tuhoe tohunga, Hohepa Kereopa. Moon is a master of narrative, and combines this gift with skilful arrangement to produce a work that is both memorable and provocative.

For the first time, the world of the tohunga ñ which up until now has lain carefully concealed for centuries ñ is brought out into the open. Moon relates to his subject with a sense of genuine empathy and a close grasp of detail. Kereopa's enormous knowledge of the traditional Maori world, and his thoughtful perspectives on subject matters ranging from natural healing to modern life, offer an exclusive insight into the realm of a great tohunga.

Dr Paul Moon is a senior lecturer in Maori Studies at the Auckland University of Technology.  His previous books include Hone Heke: Nga Puhi Warrior, The Path to the Treaty of Waitangi, Hobson: Governor of New Zealand 1840-1842, and FitzRoy: Governor in Crisis 1843-1845.

In this remarkable sequel to his ground-breaking Tohunga: Hohepa Kereopa (2003), historian Dr Paul Moon again travels deep into Tuhoe territory ñ and deep into its past ñ to uncover a wealth of material. This time he reveals his discussions with Hohepa Kereopa on traditional plants, cultivation, gardening, foods, medicines, and other aspects of the natural Maori world. This book is indispensable for anyone with an interest in customary Maori life, and provides a unique perspective on the work of a great tohunga at the height of his powers.

Beautifully written, with vivid, memorable descriptions of encounters with Kereopa and his world, Moon has crafted a book that will serve as a taonga for generations to come.