Mean Mums actor Aroha Rawson's lifepath forever changed after falling through a skylight, leaving her with a head injury and a broken back.
Then 27 years old, the terrifying near-death experience began a lifelong healing journey into rongoà (Māori healing).
"I had the whole out-of-body experience," recalls Aroha of the 2002 accident. "I saw myself lying on the ground and had a light to my right. I couldn't see him, but Dad, who died when I was nearly three, was there. The message was I could come to him, but I didn't have to. I thought of Mum and went back."
Initially, treatment was in the public health system with many specialist appointments.
"There was a clinical psychologist, musculoskeletal specialist, occupational and physiotherapists - multiple people working on one body," says Aroha, now 47.
"I had the same conversation repeatedly. It was my untrained responsibility to decipher and weave the information from one specialist to the next.
“The head injury was a huge challenge and triggered depression.”
A resilient Aroha persevered with her recovery while starting to reconnect with her Māori heritage.
Raised in north Canterbury by her Scots/Irish mum after her Māori father passed away, reclaiming her culture was initially a distant hope.
This story is from the March 31, 2023 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 31, 2023 edition of New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
The butt OF JOKES
Kevin wasn't so keen on wife Linda’s reaction to his medical emergency!
A space to CALL HOME
Michele reflects on finding your safe place
Gut REACTION
Want to live a healthier, happier life? Experts think the bacteria in your belly could be the secret to living well
Right as ROTI
This delicate Malaysian-style flatbread can be quickly prepared in a frying pan. Enjoy on its own or paired with a curry or soup
LAURA'S BACKYARD DRAMA
The theatre star’s taking The Bard's work to a familiar venue
PAULA & BREE'S SPECIAL BOND
The director admits her leading lady does a bett er job of being her than she does!
KEEPING UP WITH DUSKIE
With a special limb to fast-track her progress, there’s no stopping her now!
MKR SISTERS' KITCHEN CRED
Their taste buds are stronger than most, thanks to wacky childhood creations
'I COULDN'T TELL A SOUL'
In a top-secret mission, the TV star’s uncovered how Pippa took on the Nazis
HOW THEY PLAN TO WIN BACK FANS
The couple’s polo date is just the start of more fun and games