Hauora Space

We have repurposed our old library space into a Hauora | Wellbeing Space for our tamariki and whānau. We have experienced, qualified  and caring staff, Illouska Callaghan and Stacey Temple, who work with our tamariki each day in the Hauora Space. 

The ultimate goal of our Hauora Space at Waihi Beach School is to create an inclusive environment that supports the overall Hauora/ well-being of our students and whānau. This special space will help tamariki feel good in their bodies, hearts, and minds, giving them a safe spot to regulate, learn, play, and just be themselves. 

Our goal is to provide support and a safe place for tamariki to self regulate, to balance their hinengaro (mental), tinana (physical), wairua (spiritual), whanau (relationships) wellbeing and whenua (reconnect). The mana of our tamariki will be enhanced and we focus on contributing to greater empowerment for all our tamariki.

Our school values are embedded in practices and woven through the actions we take to achieve successful outcomes for our tamariki. They will learn strategies to help meet their needs and refocus their attention in order to return to their classroom, playground or other activity. 

As we journey forward with a deep commitment to trauma-informed and neuro-diverse affirming practices, this space shows we understand the paramount importance of creating spaces where our tamariki can self-regulate and co-regulate to find comfort.

Hauora is a Māori philosophy of health/wellbeing unique to Aotearoa. It comprises:

Taha tinana (the physical dimension)
Physical wellbeing as well as the physical body, its growth, development, and ability to move, and ways of caring for it.

Taha hinengaro (the mental dimension)

Mental and emotional wellbeing including coherent thinking processes, acknowledging and expressing thoughts and feelings, and responding constructively.

Taha whānau (the family dimension)
Social wellbeing exploring family relationships, friendships, and other interpersonal relationships; feelings of belonging, compassion, and caring; and social support.

Taha wairua (the spiritual dimension)
Spiritual wellbeing and the values and beliefs that determine the way people live, the search for meaning and purpose in life, and personal identity and self-awareness. (For some individuals and communities, spiritual wellbeing is linked to a particular religion; for others, it is not.)

Each of these four dimensions of hauora influences and supports the others.