A new wellbeing journal grounded in mātauranga Māori and modern psychology is inviting New Zealanders to deepen their understanding of mauri and develop practical ways to nurture their hauora through the changing rhythms of life.
Mauritau, written by Māori clinical psychologist Dr Jessica Gerbic, will be released on 1 September. The journal introduces readers to the 12 states of mauri, offering a month-by-month framework for reflection beginning at Matariki, the Māori New Year.
The publication explores mauri as the life force or inner spark that exists within every person and all living things. It encourages readers to recognise the natural ebb and flow of their wellbeing, helping them identify signs that their mauri is thriving, resting or in need of care. The journal combines psychological insight with traditional Māori practices including karakia, waiata, pūrākau and whakataukī to support emotional, spiritual and personal wellbeing.
Drawing on the principles of Te Whare Tapa Whā, the hauora model developed by Tā Mason Durie, the journal highlights the interconnected nature of physical, mental, spiritual and whānau wellbeing. It positions mauri as the central force connecting each of these dimensions and reinforces the importance of caring for all aspects of life rather than focusing on wellbeing through a single lens.
Rather than presenting wellbeing as a constant pursuit of happiness or productivity, Mauritau recognises that people naturally move through different states during their lives. The journal encourages readers to develop greater self-awareness and compassion by understanding that periods of stillness, uncertainty or renewed energy are all part of a healthy human experience.
Dr Gerbic says the framework has evolved from years of clinical practice, where she has observed how giving people language to understand their experiences can support better mental health outcomes. The twelve states are presented not as labels but as tools to help people reflect on where they are, what they need, and how to intentionally care for their hauora.
Born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau, Dr Gerbic is of Ngāti Pūkenga, Ngāti Pikiao, Dalmatian and Irish descent. She is the founder of Pūkenga Psychology, where she integrates mātauranga Māori with both Māori and Western psychological approaches to deliver mental health services and resources for individuals, whānau and communities.
With increasing interest in Indigenous models of wellbeing across Aotearoa, Mauritau offers a practical resource that brings together ancient knowledge and contemporary psychology, encouraging readers to pause, reflect and strengthen their relationship with themselves through the lens of te ao Māori.
#Tags:
#Mauritau #JessicaGerbic #Mauri #MātaurangaMāori #TeWhareTapaWhā #Hauora #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #HarperCollinsNZ #MāoriHealth #IndigenousKnowledge #TeAoMāori #WhānauWellbeing #Psychology #SelfCare #Matariki #RadioWaatea #BookRelease #Aotearoa #Māori
