Mātauranga Māori is the Māori body of knowledge, encompassing beliefs, values and practices passed down through generations. It is rooted in the understanding of the interconnectedness of life, the environment and well-being. Central to this is the idea that wellness involves balance in all aspects of life, from the physical to the spiritual. It is integral to the Māori people’s unique cultural identity and daily practices.
History of the Māori People and the Mātauranga Māori
The Māori people are the indigenous population of New Zealand, arriving from Polynesia around 800 years ago. Their rich cultural heritage is built upon a deep connection to the land, sea and sky, and their worldview is centred around whakapapa (genealogy), which links all living beings and natural elements. The Māori developed a unique body of knowledge, Mātauranga Māori framework, which is holistic and includes their understanding of health, healing, the environment and social structures.
What Is Mātauranga Māori
Mātauranga Māori was passed down orally through generations, or through art, with elders and tribal leaders holding the wisdom of the past. This knowledge was a mix of the scientific and spiritual, encompassing the Māori belief in the interconnectedness of all things. Early settlers relied on this knowledge for survival, from knowing how to use plants for medicine to understanding the importance of maintaining balance between human activity and the natural world.
During the colonial period, much of Mātauranga Māori was suppressed, but in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in reviving and preserving this ancient knowledge. It is now seen as a key pillar of Māori identity and culture, providing essential insights into holistic well-being.
What Wellness Practitioners Can Learn from Mātauranga Māori
Mātauranga Māori offers wellness practitioners a profound understanding of balance, interconnectedness and holistic health. Practitioners can learn that true wellness is not just the absence of illness, but the presence of harmony across all areas of life. Māori concepts of wellness, such as hauora, emphasise the importance of physical, mental, social/emotional and spiritual well-being. This is often represented in the whare tapa whā model, which uses the four walls of a house to illustrate these four vital areas of well-being and is a cornerstone of Māori health philosophy.
It reminds us that our health is multidimensional, and each aspect is equally important.
By adopting the Māori perspective, wellness practitioners can move beyond traditional, symptom-focused approaches. Instead, they can embrace practices that foster long-term, sustainable well-being, taking into account the environment, culture and community. The emphasis on connection with nature, respect for ancestry, and spiritual harmony allows wellness practitioners to offer more personalised, meaningful care.
Integrating Mātauranga Māori principles into wellness practices will deepen understanding of wellness, enriching personal lives. Whether incorporating Māori healing techniques or simply adopting a more holistic approach to health, wellness practitioners can transform their practice by embracing the wisdom of Mātauranga Māori.
Where can we learn about Mātauranga Māori?
- Te Papa Tongarewa Museum
Located in Wellington, Te Papa is New Zealand’s national museum and offers exhibitions on Māori culture and Mātauranga Māori. They provide interactive experiences that explore Māori traditions and knowledge. Entry is free for under 16s. - Māori Cultural Tours and Workshops
Many Māori iwi (community groups) offer workshops and tours that focus on the teachings of Mātauranga Māori. These immersive experiences can include learning about traditional healing practices, Māori arts and cultural practices. Prices and availability vary, so it’s best to contact local iwi, for more information and registration details. - Aotearoa New Zealand’s Indigenous Knowledge Online Courses
Various online platforms offer courses on Mātauranga Māori, including universities, like the University of Canterbury and the University of Auckland. These courses cover the basics of Māori history, language and philosophy, and Mātauranga Māori science. Registration is required, and fees are typically involved. - Wānanga Māori (Māori Learning Institutions)
Wānanga, such as Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, offer courses that focus on preserving and teaching Māori knowledge. These institutions focus on Māori customs, language, and philosophies. Prospective students can apply online. - Evolve and other wellness festivals
Increasingly, it has become a main focus in wellness festivals in New Zealand.
Further Reading
These websites are a great resource:
- Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum (https://www.tepapa.govt.nz)
- Māori Language Commission (https://www.tetaurawhiri.govt.nz) – Mātauranga Māori in education
- Māori health (https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/health-services-and-programmes/maori-health)
- Te Wānanga o Aotearoa (https://www.twoa.ac.nz)
- Evolve Festival, see our review of Evolve Festival.
