A Story of Wellbeing

In Te Ao Māori, hauora means more than just physical health, it’s the wellbeing of the whole person: body, mind, spirit, and whānau.

Think of wellbeing like a māra (garden). In Te Ao Māori, hauora is not just the absence of illness, it is the balance of taha tinana (body), taha hinengaro (mind), taha wairua (spirit), and taha whānau (family and connection).

Each is like a different part of the garden, fertile soil, nourishing rain, life-giving sun, and sheltering trees. All must be cared for if life is to thrive. In the pūrākau of Ranginui and Papatūānuku, the world began when light entered the darkness, but it was careful tending that let life flourish.

Growth needs both space and nurture.

We see hauora when people create safe spaces, places where voices are heard, identities respected, and mana upheld.

Wellbeing is a shared garden.

Recently, a whānau in our community were feeling the strain, long work hours, school runs, sports, and bills. With gentle changes, a weekly device-free dinner, evening walks, and honest check-ins, they slowly restored some connection and calm.

These moments, like seeds, grow resilience, hope, and belonging, especially when planted in spaces of aroha and respect. Wellbeing is a shared garden.

When we honour wairua, protect each other’s mana, and care for body, mind, spirit, and whānau, our collective garden will always bloom.

Seeds of kindness

When we plant seeds of kindness, we help clear the weeds of negativity and create space for our minds to thrive. Just like a house plant, our mental wellbeing needs regular care, gentle words, acts of compassion, and moments of connection. 

Below in the link, you’ll find a few ‘takeaways’ to cut out and keep, or to gift to someone who might need a smile. These small reminders are like sunshine and water for our mental garden, helping positivity take root and our sense of
wellbeing blossom. 

Click here to download.