The first ever 'WORKING BEE' Project was launched in January this year of 2003 on the Institute's newly purchased land in Waiotira, Aotearoa-New Zealand. Six students of the MA-URI Bodywork Training Programme came down to N.Z. and participated in the exploration of this new project.

The overall aims and purposes of 'Working Bee' projects for the future are to expand the focus of MA-URI® Healing to embrace the healing and nurturing of the environment and of the Earth. This particular project for 2003 was designed to give students and graduates opportunities to explore the healing powers of MA-URI® through the application of MA-URI® Bodywork and Huna principles to the forest work they would be doing at Waiotira.

The project is designed to allow Nature to reciprocate every human effort put into restoring and healing the land, its eco-systems, flora and fauna. In that process participants will be given rich opportunities to work with their own personal healing and to discover the healing power of Nature through their focus on environmental issues in general and the restoration of the Native Bush at Waiotira in particular.



The 'Working Bees' are defined as a group of people who like the bees are humming with enthusiasm and eagerly doing what they have a passion for to the benefit of their environment and ultimately for the survival of their kind! It is a group of people who have chosen to put all their enthusiasm, focus and labour into a project that they have a deep interest in or a deep concern for. In New Zealand it is a concept often associated with a group of people who have a close relationship based on a common belief or focus - of a political, social, environmental, educational or spiritual nature. In order to strengthen this relationship, have fun together and actively LIVE the principles of their philosophies, projects are often chosen that will benefit Mankind or the Earth at large.

Some groups put their efforts into making a difference to the survival of endangered species (like certain animals, plants, eco-systems or mineral resources). But whatever the choice of focus, they all tend to be motivated by a passion for ACTION: We want to MAKE A DIFFERENCE to the World and we want to WALK OUR TALK - at the same time as having fun together and deepening our understanding and appreciation of Life.



In the winter/summer of 2000 the MA-URI® Institute purchased 4 hectares of land in Waiotira, Northland - New Zealand. This was a piece of land that had some pasture on it, but more importantly some remnants of the original TEMPERATE RAIN- FOREST special to New Zealand. Most people form groups to save the Tropical Rainforests of the World. These groups are doing a most wonderful and valuable job and they are making a difference. Interestingly enough, what people do not realise is that nearly all of the world's TEMPERATE Rainforests have disappeared. New Zealand still has over 25% of its indigenous Temperate Rainforests left. It is one of the few places in the world that has podocarpus species of pine. These are the pine trees from the dinosaur time period. They differ greatly from present day pine, e.g. in that the seeds are carried on top of a small fruit much like a plum rather than inside a cone. The pine 'needles' are very small, about 2-3mm long. Another characteristic of New Zealand Temperate Rainforests is the vast number of different species of which 80% are endemic. The word endemic means 'only found in that country'. Another characteristic of pre-Ice Age Temperate Rainforests is that they are evergreens.



From spiritual sources the message has been strong and clear. It is time now for MA-URI® to extend its healing powers to embracing not only the body, mind and spirit of people, but to include also all aspects of Nature and our environment. It is time now for MA-URI® to offer its healing powers and love to our Mother Earth.

Healing is a dynamic and ever expansive activity. When we have healed ourselves physically, emotionally and mentally, there is a natural urge to pour our joy and enthusiasm into our 'situational realm'. There is an urge to make all that energy and power available to the process of restoring the health and happiness in our environment. With a growing spiritual awareness an ever stronger relationship tends to develop between us and Nature, us and Mother Earth, the Stars, the Sun and Moon etc. and healing begins to happen on multi-dimensional levels.

The focus MA-URI® is to take at the present time is to centre its energies on practical, physical activities and observe what Huna wisdom will be revealed in that process and what the outcome and benefits will be to each student. The educational process will be one of learning from experience rather than from theory. In this respect the Institute will explore the application of learning techniques of a subliminal or Huna nature. Without all the fancy explanations, the medicine and understanding is hidden in the process of caring for and re-establishing the Native Bush by getting our hands and hearts into primitive earth and planting native trees.



The main focus will be centred around the restoration of original species of plants to the forest and the development of optimal conditions for their survival and future well-being. Various smaller projects such as stopping the erosion and creating water supplies for flora as well as native fauna will be undertaken. For those who enjoy planting trees, working with water and soil in a holistic manner, this will offer ample opportunities for enchanting experiences. By applying the principles of MA-URI HUNA and the 12 Elements of bodywork, f.inst., to your forest work, new depth and understanding will unfold.

Because of the heavy rainfall in the winter of each year, a great volume of surface water gets carried down the steep slopes and washes away valuable soil and nutrients. Each year several 20-30 year old giant Tree Ferns get washed away with this torrent together with much valuable topsoil and humus. Because there are no rocks in the streambeds, just soil, they get dug out deeper and deeper each year - a little like the Grand Canyon. There is an urgent need for many willing, strong and caring hands to heal this problem.

Furthermore, there is a need for 'tree-manicure', meaning a cutting away of old dead branches; trimming the trees back into shape where this is needed and covering bare roots with compost and soil. The forest floor needs a lot of care and initial steps will be taken for tracks to be established within different parts of the forest.

Another development will be the expansion of the ORCHARD, so that it will have fruit all year round. The climate in Waiotira is very mild and at times it is sub-tropical. The area has a frost once every 5-7 years, so many sub-tropical plants can be grown. This year f.inst. we planted 3 Banana trees. But the real bonus is that a mild climate means you can grow a wide range of fruit trees that will give you an abundant harvest each month of the year. Oranges in Aug., Sept.& Oct., Tamarillos from October. Loquats in Nov. & Dec., Plums from Dec.to March. Passion fruit, peaches and nectarines in Febr. and March.. Fejoa and Guavas from late March to May. Apples and pears from Apr. to July. Kiwi fruit from June to September!!

The Orchard is being established for the benefit of future MA-URI® workshop participants and with the purpose of establishing an abundance of fruit for future 'Working Bees', so that there will be plenty of fruit for everyone to gather and eat!

Lastly, the Institute is going to establish a tree nursery, so that it can grow its own seedlings and cuttings. This will be an important healing tool for the forest. Thousands of plants will be needed. Many of them are special to Northland. The only way to get these seedlings is to go into the forest and collect the seeds from the few remaining and endangered trees left. Many trees and plants will be chosen and grown for the benefit of birds, bees and other insects. Special areas will be created to attract lizards and frogs, just to name a few that we are focusing on at the moment.

By our actions, by our commitment and love we can make a difference to our Planet!



Between November and April the weather in New Zealand is a summer-type weather and if people can come during different months, then the Institute can look at designing different work schemes for different months. For example Nursery establishment in November-December, tree and soil care in the forest as well as tree planting in the forests and on the grass hills. January for tree planting, cleaning up of the streambeds and establishing erosion control. In February and March we would work on establishing the orchard and looking after the young trees growing as well as planting new ones. Also in March cuttings can be established and seeds put into pots. This is not a rigid timetable, as we will shift between different projects depending on the weather, temperatures and sudden needs that may come up due to unforeseen events or conditions.



At the present time we only have sleeping accommodations for 10 people. In the future when the MA-URI® Healing & Training Centre has been built, then there can be groups of larger numbers. At the moment Hemi's big shed & garage is being built and it will be ready by the time we are back in New Zealand again in November this year. We will have a look at utilising part of this building for accommodation and put the required number of beds up here, marae-style. Those who wish to sleep in the bush can do so in tents and a couple of people can move into the little 'Bush-hut' we built last year. It will all be a bit primitive still - but with the right spirit and a good dose of enthusiasm you can turn it all into the 'Castle of your Dreams'.



There will be NO payment to the Institute. The only costs you will need to consider are your Airfare, your meals and any transport that is not associated with the Project. The meal system will be the same as in the workshops where each person from the group contributes to the food costs. A couple of people will be chosen for their cooking skills and enthusiasm for cooking and they will be in charge of all meals and in charge of the shopping. The most wonderful vegetables are available just down the road from the local vegetable grower. All other products will have to be bought in Whangarei where we will go once a week for shopping.



The project will be run as a Huna type 'learning by doing' workshop. You are your own student and EVERYTHING around you (the trees, insects, birds, the clouds or the sun etc.) will become your Teacher. Guidelines, instruction and challenges will be given to the group each morning and from then on each participant is left to find and process the healing and understanding offered from unexpected 'sources'. On the physical level, all instructions will be of a practical nature, you will be shown and advised what to do and how to do it and you will learn by doing things with your hands. Books on native plants & trees and their requirements will be available for you to study and other relevant reading material will be available for those who wish to study and gain further depth in understanding the principles of re-forestation and conservation in general.



We want to MAKE A DIFFERENCE to the World and we want to WALK OUR TALK - at the same time as having FUN together and deepening our understanding and appreciation of Life!
Hemi & Katja Fox, July 2003