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Te Whare Tapa Whā

Te Whare Tapa Wha (four cornerstones of health) was developed by leading Maori health advocate and researcher Professor Sir Mason Durie in 1984. It is a useful way to think about our health as a whare. The whare, has four walls with each wall representing a different dimension of health. All four walls are needed and must be in balance for the house, (or our health), to be strong.

Taha Tinana

physical health

Having optimal physical health provides a good base from which we can respond to our normal everyday activities.

Taha Wairua

spiritual health

Who we are, our sense of belonging and our ability to have faith in a higher power all contribute to a strong wairua.

Taha Whānau

Our families provide a sense of belonging, and support & are the backbone to strong resilient individuals.

Taha Hinengaro

Our mental health and emotional health are often what others notice first when things aren’t going so well.