What is Māori health and wellbeing?
A holistic view makes room for every part of a person. Physical health matters, and so do mental and emotional wellbeing, spiritual wellbeing, identity, family and community. Our connection with land and place is part of that picture.
Wellbeing is also shaped by the support, resources and services available to us. Taking a small step is worthwhile. It does not mean you must carry everything on your own.
Te Whare Tapa Whā: four walls of wellbeing
Sir Mason Durie developed Te Whare Tapa Whā as a model for understanding Māori health. The four walls of the house are connected. They stand together, supported by a foundation of whenua — land and place.
- Taha Tinana — Physical wellbeing
Care for your body. Find a simple starting point and explore at your own pace.
- Taha Hinengaro — Mental & emotional wellbeing
Make space for your mind. Find a simple starting point and explore at your own pace.
- Taha Wairua — Spiritual wellbeing & identity
Connect with who you are. Find a simple starting point and explore at your own pace.
- Taha Whānau — Family & community wellbeing
Grow well, together. Find a simple starting point and explore at your own pace.
Read the Ministry of Health’s explanation of Te Whare Tapa Whā
Our garden entry and ocean horizon are the maori.health website interpretation. We credit Durie’s model separately and are seeking cultural review of the way we express our extension.
Where can I start?
If you are unsure, you can sit in the garden. There is no countdown and no requirement to share personal information.
If you want something practical, explore physical wellbeing, mental and emotional wellbeing, identity and connection or getting well together. You can also find an explanation of type 2 diabetes remission and questions to ask your GP.
What can media and organisations use?
The Māori statistics page records the source, data year and verification date for each figure. The media kit provides copy-ready citations and important context.
Economic, employment, language and population statistics describe different aspects of Māori life. They should not be presented as direct measures of everyone’s health.
Common questions
Is Māori health only physical health?
Te Whare Tapa Whā brings together physical, mental and emotional, spiritual, and whānau wellbeing. Connection to whenua is the foundation. This site uses those four walls to help people find their starting point.
Does maori.health provide medical appointments?
No. This is a general information platform. It does not diagnose conditions, prescribe treatment or replace care from your healthcare team. The contact form is for stories, partnerships and media enquiries.
Do I need to sign up?
The wellbeing content is designed to be freely accessible without an account. No account is needed for the public site or personal tools. The editing studio is restricted to its owner.
Who checks the content?
Sources are linked so you can inspect them. Independent clinical review, fluent te reo review and cultural review are still pending. Read our editorial policy and current review status.