Te Whare Tapa Whā

Te Whare Tapa Whā (or the four walls of the meeting house) is a model of wellbeing developed by Sir Mason Durie in 1984. The model views wellbeing through a Māori lens, but it can be a useful way to think about wellbeing for everyone. As a Pākeha, I find it a helpful framework to think about wellbeing in a more holistic way. The four walls of the wharenui each represent a component of wellbeing: Taha Tinana (physical health), Taha Wairua (spiritual health), Taha Whānau (family health), Taha Hinengaro (mental health).

Taha Tinana

This is about looking after our bodies and physical wellbeing. It can include:

• Exercise

• Eating well and staying hydrated

• Getting regular health checks

• Sleep.

Taha Wairua

Wairua (spiritual health) can have many interpretations and will differ from person to person. It relates to our beliefs and values, and to having a connection with something larger than ourselves. Taha Wairua can include:

• Developing a sense of what our beliefs and values are

• Belonging to a community of faith, such as a church, or a place of cultural significance such as a marae

• A sense of connection to the environment.

Taha Whānau

This component of Te Whare Tapa Whā is about our relationships, and can be applied both in and outside of the family. We experience greater wellbeing when we foster and nurture our relationships with others. This can include:

• Relationships within our immediate whānau

• Relationships with our extended whānau (and hapū and iwi when relevant)

• A sense of connection with our ancestors

• A connection with our cultural background

• The many relationships we can have in our personal and professional lives.

Taha Hinengaro

This is about looking after our mental health. It can include:

• Being aware of our thoughts and emotions

• Participating in activities we know improve our mood

• Practices such as mindfulness or meditation

• Developing a growth mindset

• Seeking support from friends, family or professionals when needed.

I sometimes like to list the things I’m doing in each domain to see where my strengths are, and the areas I could develop. Te Whare Tapa Whā has also been a useful tool in my conversations with students as a Dean, as it can encourage them to think about their wellbeing in new ways.

References and further reading

• https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/populations/maori-health/maori-health-models/maori-health-models-te-whare-tapa-wha

• https://www.xn--tepkenga-szb.ac.nz/te-pae-ora/living-well-learning-well/te-whare-tapa-wha/

• https://mentalhealth.org.nz/te-whare-tapa-wha