HE TIAKI
By Ashleigh Putt-Fallows | Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi, and Tūhoe (she/her)
How we each view and understand health and wellbeing is contextualised by our own individual experiences. In Aotearoa, Pākehā health and wellbeing systems fail to address the needs of Māori communities. It is important that we as Māori recognise the difference in our health needs and utilise our own system of hauora to bridge the failures of westernised views of indigenous wellbeing.
Hauora is the Māori philosophy of health and wellbeing. It is often demonstrated through Mason Durie’s Te Whare Tapa Whā, in which the four dimensions of Māori wellbeing are symbolised through a wharenui. These four elements are Hinengaro, Tinana, Wairua, and Whānau. Western systems tend to view these four areas as individual, but te ao Māori acknowledges the interconnected relationships between all things. The illustration of health and wellbeing through a whare demonstrates this connectedness between all areas of life and the necessity for them all to be cared for to maintain balance and stability. A person’s mana—their power, and in this context, life force—can only be upheld through keeping the walls of the wharenui upright. Hauora also involves a more dedicated focus on whānau and whanaungatanga, not just with family or iwi, but with everything around us.
What can we do as Māori to help improve our hauora in a system not made for us? (Note: these are only suggestions of possible ways to take care of your health and wellbeing. Remember, health and wellbeing are an individual experience, and you should find the systems that best fit your lifestyle and beliefs.)
Rongoā Māori:
Rongoā Māori is a traditional method of Māori healing, encompassing spiritual healing, herbal remedies, and physical therapies. It is a great way to help improve your hauora hinengaro, hauora tinana, and hauora wairua. It can be as simple as trying the kawakawa plant in your tea when you have a cold. If you want to learn more about Rongoā Māori, we suggest finding a workshop with a Māori practitioner so you can fully understand the tikanga, meaning, and outcomes.
Whakawhanaungatanga:
Working on the relationships we have is hugely important to individual and collective health and wellbeing. Taking the time to regularly call your whānau or connecting in with your iwi can be a good, grounding practice that prevents isolation. Spending time in nature or taking actions like tree planting or bird watching is also a great way to connect with nature and take some time away from work or uni.
Tikanga and reo:
Creating connection to tikanga and reo can be done in a variety of ways, such as adding te reo Māori into your everyday vocab, or even just beginning your reo journey through in person or online classes. Connecting with iwi or visiting places you whakapapa to are also incredibly valuable for personal wellbeing. Other opportunities include Kapa Haka, Māori book groups or film clubs, or any hobbies that you feel ground you to being Māori. Choose what you feel comfortable with.
The key is manaaki and tautoko—nurture, balance, and support. Listen to your whare—your body and your mind. The best way to care for our community is to care for yourself too, honouring and acknowledging your own needs in such a turbulent time for everybody.