5 April 2018 - In October 2015, Tanya Filia​ was told she wouldn't make Christmas due to a growing brain tumour.

The Hokianga woman was given two months to live but has defied the prognosis to be here more than two years later.

She puts her survival down to a combination of rongoa Māori healing practices, vitamin C infusions, healthy food and living a positive lifestyle.

Filia believes traditional Māori therapies should be given more attention by the health system and be subsidised by the Government.

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