Unit 8: Hauora Wairua - Holistic Wellbeing

Exploring Te Whare Tapa Whā framework for balanced physical, mental, social, and spiritual health

ā˜… Overview
1 Te Whare Tapa Whā
2 Taha Tinana
3 Nutrition & Kai
4 Movement & Exercise
5 Sleep & Recovery
6 Understanding Emotions
7 Stress & Coping
8 Mindfulness & Regulation
9 Depression & Support
10 Resilience & Growth
11-30 Weeks 3-6

šŸŒ… Karakia & Intent (8 minutes)

"Kia tau te rangimārie ki runga i a tātou" ā€“ Let peace descend upon us.

  1. Reconnect to agreements: Review emotional safety tikanga and highlight "you can pass".
  2. Koru breath: Lead two minutes of koru breathing ā€“ inhale as you trace up the koru, exhale as you trace down (use the handout).
  3. Intention setting: Ākonga whisper an intention for their hinengaro ("kia tau", "kia kaha") while touching their heart.

šŸŽÆ Learning Objectives & Success Criteria

By the end of this lesson, ākonga will be able to:

  • Explain what mindfulness is (and isnā€™t) through a Te Ao Māori lens.
  • Practise at least three mindfulness/regulation techniques (breath, sensory, focus).
  • Recognise which techniques fit different emotions and mauri zones.
  • Begin a personalised regulation plan to support daily hauora.

Success Criteria ā€“ Ākonga will demonstrate:

  • āœ“ Participation in mindful arrival and technique trials
  • āœ“ Reflection entries in the mindfulness journal
  • āœ“ Selection of strategies for each mauri zone
  • āœ“ Optional: willingness to teach a technique to a partner

Activity 1: Mindful Arrival (10 minutes)

Settling Hinengaro & Tinana

Guided practice + reflection

Koru Breath (4 minutes)

Introduce the koru breath using the handout; focus on steady inhales/exhales, visualising light travelling through the koru.

Body Scan (4 minutes)

Guide ākonga to notice top-to-toe sensations. Offer trauma-sensitive options (eyes open, choosing a focus area).

Journal Prompt (2 minutes)

In the mindfulness journal, write: "Right now my mauri feelsā€¦" and "I noticedā€¦"

Activity 2: What is Mindfulness? (12 minutes)

Understanding, Myth-Busting, Contextualising

Ako + discussion
  • Define mindfulness as aro + mataara ā€“ purposeful attention with compassion.
  • Connect to traditional practices: karakia, mahi raranga, taonga pÅ«oro, mahi toi.
  • Myth bust: not about emptying mind, not quick fix, not replacing professional support.

Invite students to share cultural mindfulness practices at home/whānau (e.g., kapa haka warmups, river visits).

Activity 3: Regulation Toolkit Lab (24 minutes)

Try, Notice, Share

Stations + debrief

Set up four mindful technique stations. Students rotate in small groups (4 minutes each) with 1-minute transition breathing.

Station A ā€“ Koru Breath & Box Breath

Practise koru breath, then 4-4-4-4 box breathing. Record which feels easier.

Station B ā€“ Sensory Grounding

Use grounding cards (5-4-3-2-1); use tactile resources (smooth stone, harakeke strip) + note feelings.

Station C ā€“ Mindful Movement

Flow through a mini yoga sequence/kapa haka warm-up; focus on breath-body synchrony.

Station D ā€“ Thought Observatory

Use "Noticing Thoughts" prompts: name, label, let go like clouds. Write one reframe.

After rotations, gather observations: Which techniques suited mauri moe vs mauri oho? Which connected to whakapapa or whānau routines?

Activity 4: Regulation Plan Studio (12 minutes)

Design Your Toolkit

Individual creation with teacher conferencing
  1. Plan sheet: Using the Regulation Toolkit Planner, pick 2+ strategies per mauri zone. Include sensory tools, breath, movement, and thought supports.
  2. Support map: Add who can help you remember these (friend, whānau, kaiako, app).
  3. Optional sharing: Pair up to teach one technique to a buddy so it sticks.

Whakamutunga ā€“ Reflection & Outlook (8 minutes)

Journal Check-In (4 minutes)

Prompt: "When I notice ______, I will pause andā€¦" Encourage a note about what made mindfulness easier/harder.

Closing Breath (2 minutes)

Repeat koru breathing, acknowledging shifts in mauri.

Exit Check (2 minutes)

Students note any follow-up support they would like (optional slip to kaiako/counsellor).

šŸ  Homework / Extension

Required: Three-Day Mindfulness Log

Use the Mindfulness Journal to record a practice each day (breath, movement, sensory) + impact on mauri.

Optional: Whānau Mindfulness Moment

Teach whānau one technique from class (koru breath, gratitude scan). Note their feedback in the journal.

šŸ§° Teacher Preparation & Notes

  • Space setup: Clear an area for mindful movement, prep cushions/mats, ensure quiet corners.
  • Resources: Print Koru Breath Cards, groundings cards, gather sensory items (shells, rongoā sachets).
  • Inclusivity: Offer seated and standing variations. Provide visual supports/closed captions if playing audio.
  • Collaboration: Coordinate with pastoral team for students who may experience discomfort and need extra support.