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💚 Hauora & Wellbeing

Te Whare Tapa Whā — The Four Walls of Health

🏠 Health is Like a Whare

Hauora means wellbeing — but not just physical health. The Te Whare Tapa Whā model, developed by Sir Mason Durie, shows health as a house with four walls. If one wall is weak, the whole house is unstable. All four dimensions must be strong.

🏠 Te Whare Tapa Whā

Taha Wairua

Spiritual Wellbeing

Connection to faith, beliefs, nature, purpose, and identity. Feeling part of something bigger.

🧠

Taha Hinengaro

Mental/Emotional Wellbeing

How we think and feel. Managing emotions, expressing ourselves, and thinking clearly.

💪

Taha Tinana

Physical Wellbeing

Our bodies — exercise, nutrition, sleep, and caring for our physical health.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

Taha Whānau

Social Wellbeing

Relationships with whānau, friends, and community. Belonging and connection.

🌍 The Foundation: Whenua

Connection to Land

The whare stands on whenua (land) — representing our roots, heritage, and connection to place. Without this foundation, the house cannot stand.

  • Where do you feel most at home?
  • What places are special to your whānau?
  • How does being in nature make you feel?

🛠️ Looking After Your Wellbeing

🏃 Move your body

Daily exercise

😴 Get enough sleep

8-10 hours

🗣️ Talk to someone

Share feelings

🌳 Spend time outside

Nature heals

🎨 Do things you enjoy

Hobbies matter

📵 Take tech breaks

Unplug daily

🙏 Practice gratitude

Notice the good

🤗 Help others

Manaakitanga

🆘 When You Need Help

It's OK to Ask for Help

Everyone struggles sometimes. If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or sad, reach out:

  • 📞 1737 — Free call or text, anytime
  • 📞 Youthline — 0800 376 633
  • 💬 Talk to a trusted adult, teacher, or school counsellor
  • 🌐 mentalhealth.org.nz

Remember: Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

✏️ Activities

Activity: My Whare Tapa Whā Check-In

Rate each dimension from 1-10 (1 = needs attention, 10 = very strong):

  • Taha Wairua (spiritual): ____
  • Taha Hinengaro (mental): ____
  • Taha Tinana (physical): ____
  • Taha Whānau (social): ____

Which dimension needs the most attention? What could you do to strengthen it?

One thing I will do this week:

👩‍🏫 Teacher Notes

Curriculum Links

  • Health & PE: Mental health, hauora
  • Te Ao Māori: Te Whare Tapa Whā
  • Social Studies: Identity, belonging

Note: Be mindful that discussions about mental health may be sensitive. Ensure students know support is available.