Maori Services – Disability Connect

Kaupapa Māori disability services are designed by Māori, for Māori, supporting tāngata whaikaha Māori and their whānau in ways that reflect Māori values, culture, and identity. They take a holistic approach to wellbeing (hauora), recognising the importance of whānau, whakapapa, and connection to whenua (land).

These services are guided by principles such as manaakitanga (care), whanaungatanga (connection), and tino rangatiratanga (self-determination), working alongside people to achieve their goals in culturally safe and empowering ways.

By centring Māori leadership and knowledge, kaupapa Māori services provide culturally meaningful support and help address inequities within the disability system, contributing to more inclusive and equitable outcomes.

Te Whare Tapa Whā – The Four Cornerstones of Wellbeing

Te Whare Tapa Whā is a well-known Māori model of health developed by Sir Mason Durie.

Te Whare Tapa Whā compares wellbeing to a wharenui (meeting house) with four walls. Each wall represents a dimension of health, and all must be strong and balanced for overall wellbeing.

Taha tinana (physical health)
The wellbeing of the body — physical growth, development, and the ability to function. This includes exercise, nutrition, sleep, and medical care.
Taha hinengaro (mental and emotional health)
Thoughts, feelings, and the way we communicate. It covers how we cope with stress, express emotions, and maintain a positive mindset.
Taha wairua (spiritual health)
A sense of meaning, purpose, and connection. This may relate to beliefs, values, identity, or connection to something greater, including culture and ancestry.
Taha whānau (family and social wellbeing)
Relationships with whānau and others. Feeling supported, connected, and having a sense of belonging.

Key idea

If one wall is weakened or missing, the whole structure becomes unstable. True wellbeing comes from strengthening all four aspects together.

This model is widely used in health and disability services in Aotearoa New Zealand because it reflects a holistic, culturally grounded understanding of wellbeing.

Overall, Te Whare Tapa Whā helps disability services deliver care that is more inclusive, culturally aligned, and responsive to the full needs of the person and their whānau.