Te Whare Tapa Whā poster (PDF download)

One way to think about wellbeing is through Te Whare Tapa Whā, a Māori health model developed by Sir Mason Durie. It describes wellbeing as a wharenui (meeting house) supported by four walls and a foundation. When all four walls and foundation are cared for, the house stands strong. When one wall is under strain, the whole structure can feel less steady.

The four walls are:

• Taha hinengaro – mental and emotional wellbeing
• Taha tinana – physical wellbeing
• Taha whānau – social wellbeing
• Taha wairua – spiritual wellbeing
• And the foundation is our connection to whenua.