Hei whakawhānui i te ako , Learning more
We can develop a deeper understanding of Māori health and well-being by talking to whānau about their views and experiences. For example, here’s a first-hand account of chemotherapy cited in an abstract by Pat Ngata and Eru Pomare.
“When I went to hospital with cancer, I watched them connecting all these things to me. I was told by the doctors and nurses I would probably have a rough time with the chemotherapy. But I didn’t. As the medication went through me, I spoke to it, as you would to a person, recognising that it comes from the trees of the forest, the plants, the natural environment. I said: ‘Haere mai, welcome to my body, I hope you will take care of me as I will take care of you’. And it does seem to be taking care of me.” (Vincent, 1986).
Vincent’s description provides a window into how the physical, mental and spiritual dimensions of Māori health meld together and are interwoven. His description helps us understand, too, that culture and health practice are inextricably linked. Refer to the following table to read about Māori cultural concepts in more depth.
| Āwhinatanga | Assistance, help, caring |
| Hara | Wrong doing |
| Kaitiaki | Guardians |
| Kanohi-ki-te-kanohi | Face-to-face |
| Karakia | Spiritual incantations |
| Kawa | Protocol |
| Manaakitanga | Caring, respect, hospitality, reverence |
| Mauri | Life spark, life essence, principle |
| Mate atua | Sickness / illness from wrong doing |
| Rongoā | Traditional therapies and practices |
| Rongo mā Tāne | God of medicines, harvesting fruit, peace and health |
| Tāne Mahuta | God of forests and natural things |
| Tapu | Sacredness, religiousness, basis of law and order |
| Tikanga | Customary practices |
| Tohunga | Māori healer |
| Wairua | Spirit, soul |
| Whanaungatanga | Family cohesion, collective warmth |
| Whakamā | Shame |
| Whakahora | Purification rites |
