Pounamu Skelton is an inspiration speaker, leader in Kai Sovereignty, and teacher of Maara Kai and Rongoâ. She is  shaped by the rhythms of whenua, moana, and marama of Te Ātiawa, Taranaki Ngāti Ruanui, and Ngāti Raukawa Iwi. She carries tūpuna knowledge that reconnects whanau to whenua through the practise of maara kai as a healing tool.  

Guided by the Maramataka, Pounamu plans, plants, and harvests in alignment with lunar cycles, growing kai that is rich in mauri and intention.

Through her signature programme Tātai Tangata ki te Whenua, Pounamu has influence over 300 homes that are now growing their own kai in Taranaki.