Kete Three: Mātauranga Hauora – Māori Knowledge

• What is Mātauranga Hauora
• Matauranga Hauora and Māori Models
• Whare Pukapuka Tohutoro | Reference Library

What is Mātauranga Hauora?

"Mātauranga Māori" is a contemporary term that describes the knowledge system that includes Māori cultural values, traditions, philosophies, and worldviews. This knowledge has been passed down for many generations and is rooted in the wisdom of Māori ancestors.

Some critical components of Mātauranga Māori include Whakapapa, which refers to genealogy and understanding the interconnections between all living and non-living things. Māori believe that everything, animate or inanimate, is connected through descent.

Wairua is another critical component, which refers to the spiritual dimension and unseen energies and connections. Māori place great importance on spiritual health and well-being.

Tikanga is often translated as "The right way of doing things." These customs and protocols guide behaviour and actions, ensuring harmony and balance. Taiao refers to the environment and the natural world. Māori have a close relationship with their whenua, awa, and all living beings.

These core elements are examples but are not limited to the multiple aspects of mātauranga Māori.

We suggest you speak with your local Māori health teams or iwi for guidance and deeper understanding.

Mātauranga Hauora and Health

As a result of the health reforms in 2022, a Mātauranga Hauora Directorate was established to design and develop Mātauranga Māori models that included : Gathering Whānau voices – developing local, regional, and national networks of whānau Māori across Aotearoa, New Zealand, to raise their voice within the system.

Iwi Māori relations – empowering whānau, hapū and iwi to make decisions and strive for their own tino rangatiratanga and mana motuhake in the health system. This is through iwi-Māori Partnership Boards and strong relationships with hapori, hapu, iwi and Hauora Māori providers.

Te reo me ōna tikanga – embedding and upholding te reo me ōna tikanga across the health system as the gateway to understanding te ao māori views and māori models of hauora.

Innovation – identifying new ways to achieve hauora by supporting and commissioning māori models of haurora and rangoā in service delivery and māori workforce development.

Policy design – ensuring that te ao Māori concepts, whakapapa, and mātauranga māori principles guide the development and implementation of health policies and strategies.

Monitoring – checking that mātauranga māori, te ao māori and hauora māori models are present within every hauroa setting, and our health system is improving outcomes for whānau māori.

When designing your ED or reflecting on your practice, the above headings are helpful to consider alongside the Manaaki Mana Pae Ora Standards.

He Ara Tiatia kii te Taumata o Pae Ora provides explicit action to consider in your practice and workplace.

We have provided some simple ways to incorporate these into your practice.

Whare Pukapuka Tohutoro | Reference Library