He Huarahi Hou: Exploring the genesis of a unique approach and design of a regional pharmacopoeia

Abstract

This article advances a tangata whenua (local people, Indigenous people of the land) worldview of rongoā (medicine) and explores a new approach for an Indigenous regional pharmacopoeia for Te Tauihu—top of the South Island of Aotearoa New Zealand. Wānanga (Māori [the Indigenous peoples of New Zealand]-led learning sessions) focused on rongoā Māori (traditional healing system of Māori) and research reviewing traditional medicines and Indigenous pharmacopoeias have provided a platform for the genesis of a new unique pharmacopoeia. The rationale for this approach, style and format is explained, alongside a model for assessing certainty or validity of evidence for inclusion of material. The framework for a distinctive monograph structure is developed, preceded by a short review of different monograph styles. A pharmacopoeia developed by tangata whenua in an appropriate manner will be a valuable resource and enable protection of mātauranga Māori (traditional Māori knowledge, wisdom), preserved for future generations.