About Whānau Ora
Whānau Ora means many things to many people – but it essentially means a sense of wellbeing. It embodies Te Ao Māori concepts and understandings.
For Māori, whānau ora is more than just being free of violence; it involves having a strong sense of identity, being connected to whakapapa and reclaiming and cementing the principles of tikanga in a contemporary context.
What whānau ora means to each person depends on their unique value system and this will determine what wellbeing is for them. Each whānau member will determine what constitutes their own wellbeing and this view can change from time to time.
Whānua Ora applies at all levels of society – at the whānau, hapū, iwi and community level. Identifying the strengths at all levels of a community, empowers and supports them to enhance their own wellbeing.
The vital aspects of whānau ora that sustain this vision are captured in the Moemoea.
To support whānau to achieve whānau ora all parts of our community can take action.
A View of Whānau Ora
by Dr. Rangimarie Turuki Rose Pere
There are eight dimensions that I consider when dealing with a person, or people, in a given context. Te Wheke – the Octopus, with its tentacles and three hearts, is the model I work with. The eight kawai rangatira, noble tentacles, are expected to give sustenance to the total wellbeing and development of each one of us. The tentacles all link into the stomach, the head of the octopus, depicting a oneness and a holistic approach to life. The model encourages us to do in-depth work in regard to our total development. What do these kawai / tentacles symbolise? …
We can start with any one of them…
| Mana, Ahua ake: | Personal dimension, the absolute uniqueness and divine right that we have to be true to ourselves. |
|---|---|
| Mauri: | Physical dimension, life force, inbuilt healing power. |
| Wairua: | Spiritual dimension, the two waters / duality that permeate one’s life. |
| Aoturoa, Te Taha Tinana: | Physical dimension and how we cope in today’s world. Our health, including physical wellbeing, is paramount. |
| Whatumanawa: | Emotional dimension, the all-seeing eye of the heart, the senses, intuitive intelligence. |
| Hinengaro: | Intellect / mental dimension, the hidden mother, the mind. |
| Ha, Taonga Tukuiho: | Cultural dimension, treasures and traditions from ancestors. |
| Whānaungatanga: | Social dimension, kinship ties with all peoples, Papatuanuku, Earth Mother, and all her progeny. |
