Taha whānau

Explore your taha whānau (family and social wellbeing)

One in five Kiwis experiences a mental illness each year. Almost all of these people will recover or live well with the right tautoko (support).

Te Whare Tapa Whā is a model of health that helps us identify where we need extra support. It describes health as a wharenui (meeting house) with four walls. These walls represent:

• taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing)
• taha hinengaro (mental and emotional wellbeing)
• taha tinana (physical wellbeing)
• taha whānau (family and social wellbeing)

Connection with the whenua (land) forms the foundation. When all four walls and the foundation are strong, we feel strong too, including our top two inches (our mental wellbeing).

What is taha whānau?

Taha whānau is about who makes you feel you belong, who you care about and who you share your life with. Whānau is about extended relationships – not just immediate relatives. It’s your hoamahi (colleagues), friends, community, and the people you care about. You have a unique place and a role to fulfil with your whānau and your whānau contributes to your wellbeing and identity.

Why is taha whānau an important way to wellbeing?

Spending time with whānau, doing things for them and getting involved gives you a feeling of purpose, connection and wellbeing. As a core source of strength, support, security and identity, whānau plays a central role in your wellbeing.

Exploring your way to wellbeing through taha whānau