The current condition of mental health and societal challenges in Aotearoa has reached an unprecedented level of concern. Approximately one in five individuals grapple with mental illness or substantial mental distress, further compounded by distressing statistics on youth suicide rates, which rank among the highest within the OECD, while family violence remains a significant issue also. Alarmingly, Māori communities are disproportionately affected by these adverse outcomes.
Existing health and social service interventions tend to prioritize immediate symptoms, often overlooking underlying root causes that can manifest as depression, violence, obesity, addiction, and suicide etc. Whereas Tātai Ora's approach to addressing the complex spectrum of life’s challenges is deeply rooted in Te Aka Matua, a kaupapa Māori response designed to confront a significant aspect of human suffering: psychological distress that disrupts mental and emotional well-being.
Guided by the ancient Māori story of Tāne-nui-a-Rangi and his quest for knowledge, we tap into indigenous wisdom embedded in the narrative. This story offers insights applicable to life, addressing instinctive behaviour conflicts (Te Aka Matua) and illustrating the influence of acquired knowledge (Te Aka Tāepa) on human responses to challenges.
Te Aka Matua encompasses recurring wānanga (retreats) fostering well-being for wāhine (women), tāne (men), and couples. Rooted in the philosophy "He maunga aka matua, he ara tātai ora" (Holding onto your divine legacy is holding onto your destined vitality), this approach is delivered through noho marae (overnight stays) and one-on-one coaching. It nurtures self-awareness through cultural knowledge, nature exploration, bilingual settings, and spiritual practices. These modalities facilitate the exploration of internal conflicts, cultivating resilience and informed choices, especially in distressing circumstances.
Moving beyond conventional education, this shift toward experiential learning aligns with the strengths-based approach of kaupapa Māori, empowering participants to envision future possibilities, fostering confidence, courage, and hope.
Central to Te Aka Matua is creating a healing space aiding participants to discover fresh perspectives on themselves, inspiring hope beyond the turmoil of unresolved feelings, trauma, culture, or life events. Such turmoil can profoundly impact reactions, leading to detrimental emotional responses and automatic behaviours. Our goal is to equip participants with a deeper understanding of the human condition and to share tools for self-modulation, enabling effective navigation of internal experiences and fostering resilience in the face of adversity.