Kairongoā | Hauora Coach | Founder of Whakapakari Ora

Kandace Rewa Ihimaera Smiler (Ngāti Paoa, Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Te Āti Awa) is a passionate kairongoā (traditional Māori healing practitioner) and hauora (well-being) coach with nearly a decade of experience guiding wāhine toward holistic health, empowerment, and balance.

Kandace blends modern wellness tools with the ancestral wisdom of Rongoā Māori, drawing on her background in fitness (Diploma in Sport & Recreation), epigenetics-based health coaching, and traditional Māori healing. Her unique approach bridges the physical and spiritual realms, offering transformative support through Mirimiri, Rongoā Rākau, Whakawhiti Kōrero, and personalised hauora programs.

Through her mahi, Kandace supports wāhine to embrace their strength, reconnect with their cycles, and thrive through every stage of life—including pre- and post-pregnancy. Her vision is one of reclamation: restoring mātauranga Māori, uplifting mana wāhine, and making the healing power of rongoā accessible to all.

As the founder of Whakapakari Ora, Kandace continues a proud intergenerational legacy of service, inspired by her kuia—a respected iwi negotiator and knowledge holder. She leads with purpose, wairua, and a deep commitment to seeing people live in alignment with their mauri ora (flourishing life force).