Unit Overview
Big Question / Essential Understanding
"How can we honour the four dimensions of hauora - taha tinana (physical), taha hinengaro (mental/emotional), taha whānau (social), and taha wairua (spiritual) - to achieve holistic wellbeing in ourselves and our communities?"
What Students Will Learn
- Te Whare Tapa Whā Framework: Understand and apply the four dimensions of Māori health and wellbeing
- Physical Wellbeing (Taha Tinana): Explore nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management practices
- Mental/Emotional Wellbeing (Taha Hinengaro): Develop emotional literacy, mindfulness, and resilience strategies
- Social Wellbeing (Taha Whānau): Build healthy relationships, communication skills, and community connections
- Spiritual Wellbeing (Taha Wairua): Connect with values, identity, and sense of purpose
- Integrated Wellbeing: Create personal hauora action plans that balance all four dimensions
Cultural Context: Te Whare Tapa Whā
This unit is grounded in Te Whare Tapa Whā, the Māori health model developed by Sir Mason Durie. Like the four walls of a meeting house (whare), all four dimensions of hauora must be strong and balanced for true wellbeing. This holistic approach contrasts with Western medical models that often separate mind and body, honouring instead the interconnected nature of physical, mental, social, and spiritual health.
Students will explore how mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) offers time-tested practices for wellbeing - from rongoā (traditional medicine) to the importance of whanaungatanga (relationships) and connection to whenua (land). This unit values both traditional knowledge and contemporary health practices, empowering rangatahi (young people) to develop culturally-grounded wellbeing strategies.
Lessons
Week 1: Te Whare Tapa Whā - The Four Walls of Wellbeing
Lesson 1: Introduction to Te Whare Tapa Whā
Explore the Māori model of holistic health and assess current wellbeing across four dimensions
Lesson 2: Taha Tinana - Physical Wellbeing
Investigate the foundations of physical health: nutrition, exercise, sleep, and body systems
Lesson 3: Nutrition & Kai - Fuelling Our Bodies
Analyse nutritional needs, food quality, and traditional kai practices for optimal health
Lesson 4: Movement & Exercise for Life
Practical session exploring different forms of movement, from traditional haka to modern fitness
Lesson 5: Sleep, Rest & Recovery
Understand the science of sleep and develop strategies for healthy sleep hygiene
Week 2: Taha Hinengaro - Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
Lesson 6: Understanding Emotions
Develop emotional literacy and learn to identify, name, and express feelings appropriately
Lesson 7: Stress, Anxiety & Coping Strategies
Explore the stress response and practice evidence-based coping techniques
Lesson 8: Mindfulness & Mental Clarity
Learn mindfulness practices from both Māori and global traditions for mental wellbeing
Lesson 9: Building Resilience
Understand resilience as a learnable skill and develop personal resilience strategies
Lesson 10: Mental Health Awareness & Help-Seeking
Reduce stigma, recognise warning signs, and know where to find support
Week 3: Taha Whānau - Social Wellbeing & Relationships
Lesson 11: The Power of Whanaungatanga
Explore relationships as fundamental to wellbeing through Māori concepts of kinship
Lesson 12: Communication Skills for Healthy Relationships
Practice active listening, empathy, and assertive communication
Lesson 13: Conflict Resolution & Boundaries
Learn to navigate disagreements respectfully and establish healthy boundaries
Lesson 14: Healthy vs Unhealthy Relationships
Identify red flags and green flags in friendships and romantic relationships
Lesson 15: Digital Wellbeing & Online Relationships
Navigate social media, online safety, and digital communication mindfully
Week 4: Taha Wairua - Spiritual Wellbeing & Purpose
Lesson 16: Understanding Taha Wairua
Explore spiritual wellbeing beyond religion - values, purpose, and connection
Lesson 17: Identity & Tuakiri
Reflect on personal and cultural identity as sources of strength
Lesson 18: Values & What Matters Most
Identify core values and explore how they guide decisions and actions
Lesson 19: Connection to Whenua & Environment
Understand the spiritual and wellbeing benefits of connection to land and nature
Lesson 20: Finding Meaning & Purpose
Explore what gives life meaning and develop a sense of purpose
Week 5: Bringing It All Together - Balanced Hauora
Lesson 21: Assessing Your Whare - Current Wellbeing Check-in
Re-assess wellbeing across all four dimensions and identify growth areas
Lesson 22: Creating Your Personal Hauora Action Plan
Design a practical plan to strengthen each dimension of wellbeing
Lesson 23: Community Hauora - Supporting Each Other
Explore how to support wellbeing in whānau, schools, and communities
Lesson 24: Hauora Through the Lifespan
Understand how wellbeing needs and priorities change across life stages
Lesson 25: Wellbeing Resources & Getting Help
Know where to access support, resources, and professional help when needed
Week 6: Assessment Week - Hauora in Action
Lesson 26: Final Hauora Plan Presentations (Part 1)
Students present their personal hauora plans and wellbeing strategies
Lesson 27: Final Hauora Plan Presentations (Part 2)
Continued presentations with peer feedback and reflection
Lesson 28: Community Wellbeing Project Showcase
Groups present their community hauora initiatives and action plans
Lesson 29: Hauora Celebration & Moving Forward
Celebrate growth, commit to ongoing wellbeing practices, build community
Lesson 30: Unit Reflection & Future Commitments
Final reflections and commitments to lifelong hauora practices
Resources
Handouts & Worksheets
- Te Whare Tapa Whā Self-Assessment Tool
- Physical Wellbeing Tracker
- Emotional Literacy Wheel
- Stress Management Toolkit
- Relationship Health Checklist
- Values Exploration Activity
- Personal Hauora Action Plan Template
- Community Wellbeing Project Planner
Additional Materials
- Te Whare Tapa Whā visual diagram (print large for classroom)
- Stress balls or fidget tools for mindfulness activities
- Yoga mats or clear floor space for movement sessions
- Speakers for guided meditation audio
- Poster-making supplies for final project presentations
- Chart paper and markers for group activities
Recommended Reading & Resources
- For Teachers: Mason Durie's work on Te Whare Tapa Whā and Māori health models
- Mental Health Resources: Youthline, Lifeline, 1737 (free text or call service)
- Nutrition: Ministry of Health - Eating and Activity Guidelines for NZ
- Physical Activity: Sport NZ resources for young people
- Cultural Resources: Local iwi health providers, rongoā practitioners
Assessment
Formative Assessment (Ongoing)
- Weekly Reflections: Students complete brief written or verbal reflections on what they're learning
- Hauora Check-ins: Regular self-assessments using Te Whare Tapa Whā framework
- Practical Activities: Observation during movement sessions, mindfulness practices, group work
- Discussion Participation: Contribution to class discussions and peer learning
- Skill Practice: Practice of communication, stress management, and relationship skills
Summative Assessment (Final)
Option 1: Personal Hauora Action Plan
Students create a comprehensive personal wellbeing plan that addresses all four dimensions of Te Whare Tapa Whā. The plan must include:
- Current wellbeing assessment across four dimensions
- Specific, measurable goals for each dimension
- Practical strategies and actions to achieve goals
- Timeline and progress markers
- Connection to mātauranga Māori and cultural practices
- Identification of support systems and resources
- Written reflection (500-750 words) or creative presentation (video, poster, digital portfolio)
Option 2: Community Hauora Initiative
Small groups design a wellbeing initiative to support hauora in their school or community. The project must include:
- Needs assessment identifying a specific wellbeing gap
- Research-based intervention plan
- Cultural grounding in Te Ao Māori principles
- Implementation strategy with timeline and resources
- Evaluation plan to measure impact
- Presentation to class (10-15 minutes) with visual aids
Assessment Criteria (Both Options):
- Knowledge: Demonstrates understanding of Te Whare Tapa Whā and holistic health (25%)
- Application: Applies hauora concepts to real-life contexts effectively (25%)
- Cultural Integration: Authentically incorporates mātauranga Māori and values (20%)
- Practicality: Creates realistic, actionable strategies (15%)
- Reflection: Shows depth of thinking and personal growth (10%)
- Communication: Presents ideas clearly and professionally (5%)
NZ Curriculum Alignment
Learning Area: Health and Physical Education
Year Level: Years 9-10 (Phase 3)
Curriculum Version: Te Mātaiaho 2025
Key Competencies:
- Thinking: Critical analysis of wellbeing practices, problem-solving for health challenges
- Managing Self: Self-assessment, goal-setting, resilience building, emotional regulation
- Relating to Others: Communication skills, empathy, building healthy relationships
- Participating & Contributing: Community wellbeing initiatives, peer support
- Using Language, Symbols & Texts: Health literacy, interpreting wellbeing information
Values:
- Excellence: Striving for personal best in wellbeing practices
- Innovation: Creative approaches to health challenges
- Diversity: Respecting different approaches to wellbeing across cultures
- Equity: Understanding health inequities and working toward fairness
- Community & Participation: Supporting collective wellbeing
- Ecological Sustainability: Connection to environment for spiritual health
- Integrity: Authentic self-care and honest self-assessment
Te Mātaiaho 2025 Achievement Objectives (Phase 3):
Health Education - Bodies | Minds
- Understand good self-care practices that support mental, emotional, and physical well-being
- Develop strategies for managing emotional and physical discomfort (rest, hydration, relaxation)
- Explore the impact of nutrition, hydration, and rest on physical strength and health
- Practice stress management and understand moderate stress benefits
- Recognise internal developmental factors in behaviour and emotional responses
Health Education - Relationships
- Develop skills in adapting verbal and non-verbal communication to different contexts and cultures
- Practice empathy through interpreting emotional cues and choosing supportive responses
- Evaluate reliability, safety, and respectfulness of online content and relationships
Physical Education - Movement Skills
- Engage in various forms of movement for physical wellbeing
- Understand connections between physical activity and overall health
- Develop movement skills across different contexts (athletics, strength, sport)
Integration with Te Ao Māori:
- Te Whare Tapa Whā as the core framework for understanding holistic health
- Whanaungatanga (relationships) as fundamental to wellbeing
- Connection to whakapapa (genealogy) and identity
- Relationship with whenua (land) for spiritual wellbeing
- Rongoā Māori and traditional healing practices
- Tikanga protocols around health and wellbeing
Teacher Notes & Implementation Tips
Creating a Safe Learning Environment
This unit addresses sensitive topics including mental health, relationships, and personal wellbeing. Establish clear class agreements at the start:
- Respect confidentiality (what's shared in class stays in class)
- Right to pass - students can choose not to share personal experiences
- No judgment zone - all feelings and experiences are valid
- Support available - know referral pathways for students needing help
Cultural Responsiveness
While Te Whare Tapa Whā is grounded in Te Ao Māori, make space for students from all cultural backgrounds to connect with the framework. Invite students to share wellbeing practices from their own cultures. Where possible, connect with local iwi health providers or rongoā practitioners for guest speakers or partnerships.
Pastoral Care Preparation
This unit may bring up personal challenges for some students. Before starting:
- Know your school's pastoral care team and referral processes
- Have contact information for youth helplines readily available
- Brief school counselors that you're teaching this unit
- Watch for signs of distress and check in privately with concerned students
- Remind students regularly that seeking help is a sign of strength
Differentiation Strategies
- For struggling students: Provide templates, sentence starters, and one-on-one support for reflection activities
- For advanced students: Encourage deeper research into health inequities, Indigenous health movements globally, or advanced mindfulness practices
- For neurodivergent students: Offer alternative ways to participate in movement/mindfulness (e.g., walking meditation instead of seated)
- For students experiencing challenges: Be flexible with assessment deadlines and formats; prioritise growth over perfection
Whānau Engagement
Consider sending a brief letter home introducing the unit and inviting whānau to share wellbeing practices from their own cultures. Some families may wish to opt out of certain discussions (e.g., relationships, spiritual topics) - have alternative learning activities prepared.