For Pounamu, the connection between food and medicine is always at the forefront of her mind. As she says, "Ko Kai te Rongoa Ko Rongoa he kai Food is our medicine and medicine is our food which includes herbs" This powerful whakataukī guides her every step.

Born in the small Taranaki town of Waitara, Pounamu's journey took her around the world before calling her back to her roots. She is of Te Atiawa, Taranaki Tuturu, Ngāti Ruanui, and Ngāti Raukawa descent, and her connection to her ancestral landscapes and Māori culture in Taranaki is unbreakable.

Pounamu is not just a speaker and leader; she is an inspiration to her community. Through her knowledge and passion for growing Hua Parakore kai and healing with plant medicine, she plants the seeds of wellness among her people..

But Pounamu's impact goes beyond cultivating a thriving Hua Parakore maara. She dives deep into the art of "Maara Kai," healing with her community and reconnecting them to their inner Atua. By increasing the mauri of the whenua and growing mauri-rich kai, she brings a sense of wellbeing to all.