Kia ora, I'm Alisha, founder of Mirimai Therapies and Miri Mama. I have always been interested in working within the scope of Hauora, particularly Taha Tinana.
My mum was a Kaimiri and Aerobics instructor, so growing up, the principles of Hauora were a constant in my life. My Mum taught me all she knew about Massage/Mirimiri and in 2018 I completed my Diploma in Sports and Relaxation Massage. I ran a home-based clinic for a year, until COVID hit. When things settled I started my clinic back up and Mirimai Therapies was born.
I became hapū in 2021 with my 1st born and felt a deep need to reconnect with Te Ao Māori. I signed up for every Tikanga Māori-led Hapū Wānanga or class I could, as well as taking up Te Reo night classes and connecting with the local Māori midwives collective at the time.
I became hapū again in 2023, which meant I would need to find someplace else to Miri, as we needed the room for our new addition. I mentioned this to my midwives and they suggested using space within their whare, Tapuhi Ahi Kā. The idea resonated with me and I started planning to make it a reality.
Early 2025, I completed a specialised course in Pregnancy and Postnatal Massage. Miri Māmā is the service provided by Mirimai Therapies, specifically for our māmā and wāhine within Te Whare Tapuhi Ahi Kā.