Toi Hauora

Shifting to a higher alert level often requires time and energy as we prepare ourselves and our whānau who need care. It is likely that this will affect studies, work, and whānau wellbeing. It is timely to use a Māori model of health and wellbeing such as Te Whare Tapa Whā to to restore balance and promote hauora.

What have we learnt from COVID19?

We whakapapa to the experts of change and transition (‘Māui the shape shifter’). We have narratives that guide regeneration. Nothwithstanding the devastation that unemployment will have on parts of our communities in the months to come, where we work no longer matters... But access to technology will. And so the implications are exciting.

Toi Hauora provides teaching, research and supervision in Māori health and wellbeing at Te Pūtahi a Toi School of Māori Knowledge, Massey University. Over the next few weeks they’ll be supporting us with a hauora approach to current issues.

This edition was produced by Luke Rowe of Ngāti Raukawa te au ki te Tonga, Ngāti Tuwharetoa and Ngāti Kahungūnu descent. He is a Clinical Psychologist by trade and currently has roles focusing on Māori Health, Whānau Ora and Sport.

The approach to COVID19 taken in Aotearoa to isolate at home has resulted in almost eliminating transmission of the virus. We are now working towards returning to business activities, schooling, cultural activities, socialising and a new reality. Expanding our bubbles, continuing tapu and public health practices such as physical distancing and handwashing, and maintaining the gains that have occurred in both the natural environment and within our minds, hearts and homes, can benefit from taking a Māori approach.

How can we be like Māui to change, adjust and transition during this time?

Daylight savings signals a change of time in the Gregorian calendar. Farewelling Hine Raumati and welcoming Hine Takurua also signals a shift in season. This is a time to ensure crops are stored, people are resting and communities are preparing for the colder, darker months ahead. For Māori changes, adjustments and transitions are not new.

This edition was produced by Luke Rowe of Ngāti Raukawa te au ki te Tonga, Ngāti Tuwharetoa and Ngāti Kahungūnu descent. He is a Clinical Psychologist by trade and currently has roles focusing on Māori Health, Whānau Ora and Sport.

The COVID-19 illness includes respiratory symptoms. A Māori understanding of our connection to air can be sourced from pūrākau (narratives) about Tāwhirimātea, atua (primal energy source) of hau (wind and weather).

The initial public health response to COVID-19 focussing on tinana (physical health) might make us feel temporarily out of balance. Using a Māori model of health and wellbeing, such as Te Whare Tapa Whā, can help us to consider our whole being. This includes our taha hinengaro (mental and emotional wellbeing), taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing), and taha whānau (social wellbeing).

Central to wellbeing from a Māori worldview is the concept of mauri (vitality). Different states of mauri can help to explain different levels of wellbeing. For example, mauri noho (languishing); mauri rere (unsettled), mauri oho (activated); mauri tau (in balance), mauri ora (flourishing).

A hauora understanding relevant to the physical distancing and hygiene practices required in response to COVID-19. 

Karakia tuwhera Opening incantation composed by Huirangi Waikerepuru (Ngapuhi, Taranaki Whanui)

Karakia whakamutunga Closing incantation composed by Huirangi Waikerepuru