Overview
Frenchwoman Suzanne Aubert founded the religious congregation the Daughters of our Lady of Compassion in 1892, at Hiruhārama (Jerusalem) on the banks of the Whanganui River. Known later as Mother Mary Joseph Aubert, she was one of the first Europeans to appreciate the medicinal properties of New Zealand's native plants. Her patent medicines were based on two knowledge systems: trained in chemistry and botany, she also absorbed the teachings of Māori women who were tohunga rongoā (healing specialists). She learned first from Hoki (peata), a Ngā Puhi woman of mana and one of Bishop Pompallier's first converts. Peata, Aubert said had 'taught her everything' in their years in the Congregation of the Holy Family in Auckland (1862-69). When Aubert moved to Hawke's Bay and then to the Whanganui River, she worked with local Māori women and was often seen gathering plants with them.
In 1891, Aubert began selling her herbal remedies, making her own names for them. Examples include: 'Karana', 'a most valuable vegetable tonic'; 'Paramo' for dropsy, gout, rheumatic fever and bilious attacks; and 'Wanena' for cuts and bruises. The profits helped finance the Hiruhārama mission. When the Quackery Prevention Act was passed in 1908, Aubert is said to have committed her medicines back to the river. The Sisters of Compassion gifted these bottles to the National Museum in 1990.