Description:

Whenua ki te Whenua draws on the Mãori tradition of returning the placenta to the earth, reflecting the belief that life springs from the land and ultimately returns to it.

The project was developed to support families, both Mãori and non-Mãori, in engaging with this practice in a way that is respectful, accessible, and personal.

Research showed that while some families mark the occasion with ceremony, others focus on the practical act of burial, often without tools or awareness of its deeper cultural significance.

The kit includes a choice of three ipu whenua (placenta vessels), designed to suit different values and preferences. A printed booklet offers gentle guidance and space for reflection, without prescribing a fixed process. This balance of tradition and flexibility makes the experience meaningful to a wide range of users.

Each vessel is made from 100% New Zealand strong wool, a durable, tactile, and fully biodegradable material. Unlike traditional clay or flax, wool breaks down within three months and does not create a barrier between the placenta and the soil. This allows the whenua to nourish the tree planted above, fully integrating with the land.

The design is simple and intentional. Every element, from the feel of the wool to the clarity of the booklet, has been considered to support a personalised experience. By using natural materials and drawing on local supply chains, the kit aligns environmental values with cultural practice.
Whenua ki te Whenua doesn't just provide a product. It supports a tradition that honours life and land, reconnecting families to each other, to whenua, to ancestry, and to the living world that surrounds us.