Whānau ora

Whānau ora:  Māori families achieving well-being

In 2015, whānau ora will result in all whānau members living longer and enjoying better quality of life.  Māori will no longer experience significant health disparities.  Whānau will have the resources to participate fully in society and to provide for the needs of members.

Whānau ora is about Māori families being supported to achieve their maximum health and well-being. Each whānau member, including older people and young, is valued and plays an integral part in whānau life. Essential to that definition are the structures of hapū, iwi and waka.

The unique role of whanau and individual members within the wider Māori community is referred to as mokotā o te Whānau.  Advancing the well-being of a whānau member requires knowledge of that concept including whānau values, beliefs and whakapapa/history of that individual.

Māori will have the opportunity to engage in Te Ao Māori and actively participate in wider New Zealand society. Whānau will be cohesive, nurturing, safe, and able both to give and receive support.

Awareness of key factors that may influence mental health and well-being, past and present, will enable whānau to contribute responsibly to the wider community and move forward to a healthier future, assured of their individual and collective futures.