Sometimes wellbeing advice can feel like a long to-do list: sleep more, eat better, exercise, meditate. Te Whare Tapa Whā offers a gentler and more whole way of looking at it. Instead of fixing one thing at a time, it asks how your whole self is doing.
What is Te Whare Tapa Whā?
Te Whare Tapa Whā is a Māori model of health developed by Sir Mason Durie in 1984. It describes wellbeing as a wharenui (meeting house) with four walls, standing on a foundation of whenua (land). When all the walls are strong, the house stands firm. If one wall is weak, the whole house can feel the strain. The model is widely used across health, education and community services in Aotearoa. It;s important to note that Te Whare Tapa Whā is not only for tangata whenua, it is for everyone who resonates with it. Te Whare Tapa Whā is also not the exact way tangata whenua view wellbeing, it is a representation and framework for wellbeing that you can choose, or not choose, for yourself.
The four walls
Taha tinana (physical wellbeing) This is your body: sleep, food, movement, rest and energy. Try: a short walk, a glass of water, or an earlier night. Ask yourself: what is my body asking for right now?
Taha hinengaro (mental and emotional wellbeing) This is your thoughts and feelings, and how you express them. Try: writing down what's on your mind, taking a screen break, or telling someone how you really are. Ask yourself: what have I been carrying that I could set down?
Taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing) This is your sense of connection, meaning and purpose. It might come from culture, nature, faith, creativity, or what you value most. It isn't only about religion. Try: time in nature, a quiet moment, music, or doing something that feels true to you. Ask yourself: when do I feel most like myself?
Taha whānau (family and social wellbeing) This is your relationships with whānau, friends and community, and the sense of belonging they bring. Try: sending a message to someone you've been meaning to catch up with, sharing a meal, or asking for help. Ask yourself: who fills my cup, and when did I last make time for them?
The foundation: whenua
Whenua is your connection to place, land and where you come from. Try: time outdoors, visiting somewhere that means something to you, or learning about the history of the place you live. Ask yourself: where do I feel grounded?
Using it as a quick check-in
Take a moment and give each wall a score out of 10 for how it feels this week. Notice which one is lowest, then choose one small thing that would strengthen it. Small is fine. A five-minute walk or a quick phone call counts. You can come back and check in again any time.
How this fits with counselling
Counselling can help you identify which of your walls needs some focus and love, it can support you to strengthen any of those walls, especially when one feels shaky and you're not sure where to start.
Let's talk
If you'd like support looking after your whole self, I'd love to hear from you.