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Te Whare Tapa Whā, Te Whare Tapa Whā

Updated 21 Nov 2025

A culturally grounded framework for understanding client wellbeing in career development.

    Contents

    The Māori philosophy toward health (hauora) is based on a holistic health and wellness model called Te Whare Tapa Whā. Developed by Dr Mason Durie in 1982, it can be applied to any health issue, whether it involves physical or psychological wellbeing.

    Te Whare Tapa Whā offers a culturally grounded framework for understanding client wellbeing in career development. It is especially useful for practitioners working in Aotearoa across education, employment and support services.

    Model overview
    Te tirowhānui tauira,

    Māori health is underpinned by 4 dimensions representing the basic beliefs of life:

    • Te taha hinengaro – psychological health.
    • Te taha wairua – spiritual health.
    • Te taha tinana – physical health.
    • Te taha whānau – health of the whānau.

    These 4 dimensions are represented by the 4 walls of a house. Each wall is necessary to the strength and symmetry of the building.

    The wharenui (meeting house) is the symbol used to illustrate these dimensions of well-being. Just as each corner of the house must be strong and balanced to hold its structure, each dimension of wellbeing must be balanced for health to exist. This philosophy may be used to approach all areas of wellness in life, including career management.

    Key concepts
    Ngā ariā matua,

    At the heart of Te Whare Tapa Whā are 4 interconnected dimensions of wellbeing. These reflect Māori values and ways of understanding life. In career development, they offer a way to honour the whole person and support decisions that align with identity, whānau, and personal aspirations.

    Te taha hinengaro

    Psychological health

    • Focuses on emotions and emotional wellbeing.
    • Emphasises the inseparable connection between mind and body.
    • Values emotional expression over verbal communication.
    • Career dissatisfaction may affect mental health.

    Te taha wairua

    Spiritual health

    • Recognised as a core dimension of overall wellbeing.
    • Involves connection to the environment, people and cultural heritage.
    • Supports emotional resilience and physical health.
    • Recognised as the essential requirement for health and wellbeing. Without spiritual awareness an individual may lack wellbeing and be more prone to ill health.
    • Wairua explores relationships with the environment, people and heritage.
    • Spiritual awareness is key to making effective career decisions and enhances clarity and purpose in career decision-making.

    Te taha tinana

    Physical health

    • Relates to bodily care and physical wellness.
    • Physical symptoms may reflect emotional or career-related stress. Career unhappiness can contribute to illness.
    • Maintaining physical health supports career engagement and performance.

    Te taha whānau

    Family health

    • Whānau is the foundation of Māori society.
    • Family beliefs and expectations influence career choices.
    • Intergenerational perspectives shape career pathways.
    • Support from whānau enhances career confidence and decision-making.

    Practical uses in career practice
    Ngā whakamahinga whaitake i ngā mahi aramahi,

    Te Whare Tapa Whā, originally a Māori health model, can be used in career development to support a holistic view of wellbeing. Its focus on emotional, spiritual, physical and family dimensions helps career practitioners understand the whole person, leading to more meaningful and culturally responsive career conversations.

    Implications for career development
    Ngā rara ki te whanaketanga aramahi,

    While the model is not a career theory per se, its holistic approach aligns well with career development principles, especially in culturally responsive practice. To increase the likelihood of making successful transitions, career education and guidance need to build on clients’ knowledge of themselves and their potential for development.

    Developing self-awareness is key to creating balance and harmony in all aspects of life, including career development.

    Sources
    Ngā pūtake,

    Māori health models. Accessed October 2025. Te Whare Tapa Whā model of Māori health | Ministry of Health NZ. Published by the Ministry of Health. (n.d.).

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