Jodeci, a proud māmā of three tamariki, is the owner and lead practitioner of Rongomai Ora, a pakihi dedicated to Traditional Māori Bodywork and Massage Therapy. Born and raised in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, she has called Whangārei home for the past six years. Her whakapapa connects her to Taranaki, Tainui, and Ngāti Pākehā, grounding her mahi in identity and legacy.

The name Rongomai Ora represents freedom of self and of health. Its whakapapa traces back to Parihaka in 1881, when Te Whiti-o-Rongomai and Tohu Kākahi led peaceful resistance during the raupatu of Māori land. Their actions symbolised resilience and peace in the face of adversity, and for Jodeci, this story is a daily reminder to remain steadfast in her values. That legacy underpins the kaupapa of Rongomai Ora, reminding whānau that they do not need to be “fixed,” but to remember who they truly are.

The idea for Rongomai Ora began six years ago, shaped by Jodeci’s personal challenges and her desire to help others reconnect with themselves. With no capital and only her own resources to draw from, she built a hauora business from the ground up. What began with heart, mana and connection has grown into a trusted space of healing in Te Tai Tokerau.

Like many pakihi Māori, the journey has not been without obstacles. Navigating financial systems and accounting requirements was daunting, and without initial investment, every step forward required determination and sacrifice. The most significant challenge remains gaining recognition as an ACC Registered Rongoā Practitioner, a milestone that would expand access to her services for more whānau. Yet despite these hurdles, Rongomai Ora has stayed true to its kaupapa, offering care rooted in aroha, whakapapa and wairua.

The practice is guided by te ao Māori values and frameworks such as Sir Mason Durie’s Te Whare Tapa Whā, honouring taha tinana, taha hinengaro, taha wairua, and taha whānau. Through whakawhanaungatanga, kotahitanga, manaakitanga and wairuatanga, Rongomai Ora empowers people to reclaim their wellbeing, strengthen whānau bonds, and embrace new stories of resilience and healing.

For the community, Rongomai Ora provides more than therapy. It is a new approach to hauora that centres love, connection and self-empowerment. Jodeci’s vision is for the business to become a household name that whānau can trust with their wellbeing for generations to come. To achieve this, support is needed to secure ACC and Te Whatu Ora registration and to access funding that will allow the pakihi to grow its impact.

When asked what advice she would give to aspiring pakihi Māori, Jodeci’s message is clear: “Fuck it, just do it. The only thing holding you back is your own mind. Dive in headfirst, and let the rest unfold.”