Pā Rōpata (Rob) McGowan QSM
Currently works for the Department of Conservation (DOC) and is the Amo Aratu for Ngā Whenua Rahui
Pā Rōpata is well respected nationally for his work with and for the restoration of Rongoā Māori practice in New Zealand. He has been involved for more than 20 years in teaching, researching, and assisting Māori re-engage in traditional uses of NZ native plants, particularly for medicine (Rongoā Māori).
Pā Rōpata has also provided input into aspects of intellectual property issues relating to the Waitangi Tribunal’s WAI262 report and served as a Rongoā Māori advisor to numerous Government committees, Māori tribal authorities and for a number of Rongoā Māori related research and education initiatives.
Pā Rōpata is a former Catholic priest and a fluent speaker of te reo Māori.
