A new kaupapa Māori initiative is making a difference for more than 150 tamariki in West Auckland, bringing specialist hauora programmes directly into Māori bilingual classrooms while strengthening connections between kura, whānau and communities.
Whāia te Oranga, developed by Healthy Families Waitākere in partnership with kaiako and whānau, is operating at Rānui Primary School and New Windsor School, providing tamariki with regular access to traditional and contemporary Māori wellbeing activities.
The programme incorporates mau rākau, kī-o-rahi and Mauri Tau, combining physical activity, cultural identity and emotional wellbeing to create learning experiences grounded in te ao Māori.
Healthy Families Waitākere Systems Innovator Christian Curtis says the initiative addresses a longstanding gap in specialist hauora teaching within Māori bilingual units, where kaiako are already managing curriculum demands alongside the important work of revitalising te reo Māori.
Rather than simply delivering activities to tamariki, Whāia te Oranga is designed to build lasting capability within schools. Kaiako are supported to develop their own hauora knowledge and teaching confidence, while dedicated whānau engagement helps connect what tamariki learn at kura with their lives at home.
Early feedback from New Windsor School has been encouraging, with tauira reportedly becoming more settled, focused and engaged in their learning. Kaiako are also reporting greater confidence, while whānau are becoming more involved in their children’s educational and wellbeing journeys.
The programme reflects a growing emphasis on approaches that recognise the importance of cultural identity, belonging and connection in supporting Māori wellbeing.
With more than 150 tamariki already benefiting, the focus is now turning towards sustainability and how the model could be expanded beyond West Auckland.
Whāia te Oranga will continue through the remainder of 2026, with Healthy Families Waitākere working alongside kura and whānau to develop a model that could eventually strengthen kaupapa Māori hauora provision in bilingual units across Aotearoa.
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