Rongomaiwahine Higgins-Herewini
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Kaihāpai Matua, Senior Administrator, Te Puni Kōkiri
Tēnā koutou katoa,
He uri ahau no Ngāti Konohi, Rongomaiwahine, Ngai Tai ki Tōrere, Ngai Tūhoe, Ngāti Airihi me Ngāti Tatiamana. Rongomaiwahine lives with chronic pain following a diagnosis of Endometriosis and later a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia and Lupus. What seemed to be a temporary band-aid solution was encapsulated in an unwanted cocoon. Rongomaiwahine has always had a strong foundation for Te Ao Māori. Although she grew up in the Wellington region, her traditional ties lie in Te Tai Rāwhiti, on the east coast, Ireland and the Netherlands. Rongomaiwahine’s journey of tapering off opiates and benzos involved managing emotional and physical pain through activities like making poi, toi Māori, and writing music. With support from the Wellington Pain team, Māori health providers, and psychologists, these joyful activities played a key role in the process. |
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In addition, Rongomaiwahine battled with depression ten years ago, the support of Whānau provided positive direction and focus. Over eight years, she completed certificates in computing at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, followed by a diploma and degree in Information Technology at Whitireia Polytechnic in 2021.
While in the beginning, tapering off opiates and Benzos was a very scary taniwha, it gave space for other opportunities for ownership of feelings and healing to ignite.
Kia mau ngā taputapu e pātua te unuhanga taniwha mamae.
Holdfast the instruments that allow you to strike the uncontrollable monster of pain.
While in the beginning, tapering off opiates and Benzos was a very scary taniwha, it gave space for other opportunities for ownership of feelings and healing to ignite.
Kia mau ngā taputapu e pātua te unuhanga taniwha mamae.
Holdfast the instruments that allow you to strike the uncontrollable monster of pain.
Learning from Lived Experience with Pain
Rongomaiwahine shares her story to offer hope to young wāhine experiencing pain, especially when dealing with conditions that are meant to be natural, and to those struggling with opiate use and tapering. Her message is that even when it feels like there’s no choice, there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Whānau support is crucial, but it’s equally important for them to have professional guidance throughout the tapering process. Rongomaiwahine has appreciated sharing her journey and the research team’s help in creating this toolkit.
Having been off opiates and benzos for over two years, Rongomaiwahine now has systems in place with her whānau for short-term support when needed. These discussions are key to maintaining a balanced life, something unthinkable just ten years ago.
Today, Rongomaiwahine works full-time, attends night classes for Level 6 Te Reo Māori, writes music, and is planning her wedding for June 2026.
By offering hope and practical tools for managing emotions during medication tapering, Rongomaiwahine fosters a healthier, happier life for both herself and her whānau.
Giving hope and the tools to combat emotions and thoughts while tapering off medication and to the whanau who supports that person fosters a healthier and happier life that we all deserve.
Whānau support is crucial, but it’s equally important for them to have professional guidance throughout the tapering process. Rongomaiwahine has appreciated sharing her journey and the research team’s help in creating this toolkit.
Having been off opiates and benzos for over two years, Rongomaiwahine now has systems in place with her whānau for short-term support when needed. These discussions are key to maintaining a balanced life, something unthinkable just ten years ago.
Today, Rongomaiwahine works full-time, attends night classes for Level 6 Te Reo Māori, writes music, and is planning her wedding for June 2026.
By offering hope and practical tools for managing emotions during medication tapering, Rongomaiwahine fosters a healthier, happier life for both herself and her whānau.
Giving hope and the tools to combat emotions and thoughts while tapering off medication and to the whanau who supports that person fosters a healthier and happier life that we all deserve.
