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Te Whare Tapa Whā
Te Whare Tapa Whā is a Māori health model based on the concepts of whānau (family), tinana (physical), hinengaro (mental) and wairua (spiritual) health.
The Four Dimensions of Māori Wellbeing
Te Whare Tapa Whā, a holistic health model developed by Tā Mason Durie, offers a Māori perspective on wellbeing. It uses the wharenui (meeting house) to represent the four key dimensions of health: taha wairua (spiritual health), taha whānau (family health), taha hinengaro (mental health), and taha tinana (physical health).
Just as a wharenui stands strong on four sides, balanced wellbeing relies on each of these interconnected dimensions. If any one aspect is weakened or overlooked, a person or community can experience imbalance and potential ill health. Many Māori feel that modern healthcare often lacks focus on taha wairua, while a traditional Māori approach emphasizes the equal importance of spiritual, family, mental, and physical health. That’s where Hospital Chaplaincy Aotearoa comes in – providing the spiritual support that helps complete the picture of holistic care.
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Taha Wairua is all about our life force, faith and connection to something bigger than ourselves. It’s what keeps us grounded and gives us strength.
For some, wairua is the capacity for faith or religious beliefs or having a belief in a higher power. For others, wairua is an internal connection to the universe or the sacred.
In Māori tradition, when we talk about health, we don’t just look at the physical side. We also consider our wairua, because any imbalance here can affect our overall wellbeing.
This can sometimes be overlooked in health services and that’s where our chaplains come in. No matter who you are or what you believe, hospital chaplains are there to support you when you or a loved one is in hospital.
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Good physical health is essential for our overall health and wellbeing and supports us in being our best selves.
When we’re feeling good physically it boosts everything else too – our mind, spirit and whānau connections.
For Maori, the physical dimension is just one aspect of health and wellbeing and can't be separated from mind, spirit and family.
Whānau is all about that sense of belonging, caring and sharing with those who matter most to us. It’s where we find strength to be who we truly are.
Our whānau connects us to our ancestors, linking the past, present, and future. It’s that super special bond that supports us through thick and thin.
Understanding the power of whānau is key to understanding Māori health. Our whānau can be a source of strength in tough times and play a huge role in healing.
Our mind and body are connected, so our thoughts, feelings and emotions are an important part of our overall wellbeing.
This is all about how we see ourselves in the universe and the perception others have of us. When our mind is in a good place, everything else falls into place.
Because we all need a little extra care at times