Introducing 'Ngaruroro', a New Model for Understanding Māori Wellbeing

Area of Science:

• Indigenous Studies
• Public Health
• Sociology

Background:

• Indigenous peoples globally are reviving ancestral knowledge, including traditional health and wellbeing practices.
• Aotearoa (New Zealand) has seen the development of unique Māori health and wellbeing models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and identify key sources of wellbeing for Māori individuals.
• To understand the dynamic and interconnected nature of Māori wellbeing.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with Māori community members.
• Reflexive Thematic Analysis was employed to identify and refine themes of wellbeing.

Main Results:

• Wellbeing is conceptualized as an embodied, active process.
• Key components include social/familial ties (whanaungatanga), environment (te taiao), cultural treasures (taonga tuku iho), physical health (tinana), spiritual health (wairua), inner balance (ngākau), core needs (matea), and authority (mana).

Conclusions:

• Māori wellbeing is a holistic, interconnected, and dynamic concept.
• The Ngaruroro model provides a framework for understanding Māori wellbeing.
• Findings emphasize the importance of cultural revitalization for Indigenous health.