Page 30 - Kete 1 Resource Book

WELLBEING AND HOLISTIC SUPPORT
The World Health Organisation defines health as a state of physical, mental and social wellbeing. The definition acknowledges the influences of cultural and environment factors on a person’s well-being. Therefore, wellbeing is a holistic approach to health and not just a physical element.
TE WHARE TAPA WHĀ
The Māori philosophy towards health is based on a holistic health model. Maron Durie’s model of wellbeing, Te Whare Tapa Whā, is a model representing the four basic beliefs of Māori life:
1. Te Taha Hinengaro (mental health)
2. Te Taha Wairua (spiritual health)
3. Te Taha Tinana (physical health)
4. Te Taha Whānau (family health)
Taha whānau
Family and social wellbeing
Taha tinana
Physical wellbeing
The holistic model compares health and wellbeing (hauora) to the four walls of a house (whare), with each wall representing a different dimension.
The model has been built around the principals of interconnectedness. In other words, what occurs in one dimension of one’s life will impact on the others. For example, people who suffer from mental illness may experience negative thoughts (hinengaro), relationship problems (whānau), physical illness (tinana) and low self-esteem (wairua).
All four walls are necessary for strength, balance and wellbeing.
Taha hinengaro
Mental and emotional wellbeing
Reference: Dr Mason Durie’s Te Whare Tapa Whā model comparing hauora to the four walls of a whare
Page 30 PSC FW - Māori Cultural Awareness Kete 1 | Published 2017
Taha wairua
Spiritual wellbeing