Story: Medicines and remedies

Tohunga Suppression Act

Tohunga Suppression Act

The Tohunga Suppression Act 1907 was intended to stop people using traditional Māori healing practices which had a supernatural or spiritual element. It was not very effective – only nine convictions were obtained under the act. Whare Taha of northern Hawke's Bay was one of those convicted.

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National Library of New Zealand, Papers Past
Reference: Poverty Bay Herald, 6 September 1912, p. 5

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How to cite this page:

Pauline Norris and Rosemary Beresford, 'Medicines and remedies - Plant extracts to modern drugs, 1900 to 1930s', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/document/28223/tohunga-suppression-act (accessed 20 April 2024)

Story by Pauline Norris and Rosemary Beresford, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 23 May 2018, updated 1 Apr 2020