Reimagining wellbeing together.  

With this week (21-27 September) marking Mental Health Awareness Week in New Zealand, we take a look at the Māori model for health, and identify the five key elements that provide the foundations of wellbeing.

This year, the Mental Health Awareness Foundation of New Zealand has focused on the theme of Reimagining Wellbeing Together. This effort has been underpinned by a Māori holistic wellbeing philosophy known as Te Whare Tapa Whā.

Designed by Māori health advocate Sir Mason Durie in 1984, Te Whare Tapa Whā, which means ‘four walls’, is a Māori model for health that encompasses our spiritual, physical, mental, and social wellbeing. Durie’s model recognises that there are multiple dimensions to our wellbeing, and that balancing these interconnected forces contributes to the strength and harmony of the whole.

He envisioned this model as a home – one that houses our whole selves as human beings. The four walls are represented by our spiritual, physical, mental, and social wellbeing. However, the foundations of that house depend on whenua, our connection with the land, and the roots that keep us grounded.

Let’s take a look at these five principles, and how we can apply them to our own wellbeing.

Taha Whānau – family and social wellbeing

The people we surround ourselves with play an important role in supporting our social and emotional wellbeing. Taha whānau refers to the importance of these connections. It refers not only to our families, but also our friends, colleagues, and communities – and the role each plays in helping us feel belonging.

Spending time with these people and our wider community helps us feel a sense of purpose, connection, and wellbeing. It informs our identity, and provides a key source of social support. Make sure you catch up with a loved one today.

Taha Wairua – spiritual wellbeing

Taha wairua refers to appreciating those things around us that inspire hope, awe, strength, and connection. It can represent our relationship with people, our spiritual side, the environment, or where we’ve come from.

When we feel comfortable in our identity, values, and beliefs, we’re more able to feel secure in who we are, and the things we stand for. This paves the way for building individual resilience, fostering strong relationships, and understanding what motivates and uplifts us. Why not start your day with something that feeds your taha wairua and gets you in the best frame of mind? Try compiling a playlist of feel-good songs, or devoting some time for mindfulness.

Taha Tinana – physical wellbeing

Research points to the fact that our physical and mental wellbeing are connected. This is why taha tinana, which represents how your body feels and how you care for it, forms a key part of the Māori health model.

Physical wellbeing looks different for everyone, so one important consideration is the steps you take to nourish and strengthen your body. Take five minutes today to check in with your body and what it needs – whether that’s a relaxing walk, or making a home-cooked meal.

Taha Hinengaro – mental and emotional wellbeing

Representing the heart, mind, thoughts, conscience, and feelings, taha hinengaro forms another key part of Māori wellbeing culture. It refers to our psychological health, and how we stimulate and refresh our minds so we can better cope with life’s ups and downs.

When this is nurtured, it means we feel able to lean on the people in our lives for support, and that we’re able to articulate how we feel. It puts us in a good place to be able to reflect on recent challenges and strengths, and how we feel about them. Try compiling a list of three things you’re grateful for.

Whenua – connection to the land and roots

As the foundation of health in Māori culture, whenua represents our connection to the environment, and the grounding nature of everything around us. It’s driven by the belief that everything in the world has a life force, and when these are not taken care of, this life force is weakened, leading to a direct impact on mental health and wellbeing. Spend time in a place you feel connected to, and really take the time to appreciate your surroundings.

While these pillars of wellbeing may be steeped in Māori tradition, their application is universal. We hope all of our friends in New Zealand are experiencing a fulfilling Mental Health Awareness Week, and that each of us can set aside a few moments to think about strengthening the foundations of our own wellbeing.

If you'd like to learn more about mental wellbeing at work, book a chat with one of our specialist today.