Hau = Vigor, vitality, vital essence.

Ora = Well, healthy, fit, alive.

Hauora = To be well, vigourous, fit, invigorated, revitalised.

Mahia i runga i te rangimārie me te ngākau mahaki

with a peaceful mind and respectful heart, we will always get the best results. 

For young Māori wahine who suffer with mental health issues, nourishing the self can be full of complexities.  However, with the right tools and kōrero, the emphasis is on things that add cultural sustenance by way of empowerment. Care, time and healing can provide a place of calm (noa) making a difference for positive change.

For this young wahine (who would prefer to remain anonymous), the goal of experiencing hauora has been a very lengthy process. With limited cultural resources, her wairua was at a low and the willingness to become active placed her in the Te Po (the dark) phase. 

By discovering and re-engaging with Māori tradition, the term hauora has ignited many aspirations.  The move to return to school has given her so much confidence. The experience has helped her to reclaim a life that was dormant and unfulfilling.  Experiencing the natural environment as a healing space, has moved her into walking independently, when the thought of walking alone used to cause her great anxiety and panic. 

Now, motivation to achieve her hauora goal has inspired her to invite her Mum along for walks. The feeling of having her Mum join her, achieves the outcome of hononga (connection).  Walking together has provided Mother and daughter a space to share and talk, and coupled with the walk, is replenishing their relationship and admiration for each other.

With regular messaging and emails, support kaimahi and kotiro can kōrero and share ideas about how to make more positive change happen.  This inspiring kotiro, who was full of self-doubt, and would never leave home without a parent or kaimahi, now is beaming with confidence. Her positive progress is evidence to support the importance of a traditional Māori approach for optimum engagement. She now has the confidence to play Netball, is enrolled at school, walking, and encourages her Mum to follow her.  Tihei wa mauri ora.