Writing essays is a fundamental skill that students need to master for academic success. Whether you are tackling a short assignment or a lengthy research paper, knowing how to structure your thoughts and present them clearly is crucial. This guide offers practical advice to help you improve your writing skills and produce essays that stand out. Strategies for Improving Essay Writing Improving essay writing involves more than just putting words on paper. It requires planning,

We return to the Life Re=Alignment Series and to steps 2 Te Whakatūria tō Mana - Establishing your Authority and Te Whakawhanake i tō Kaha - Developing Your Strength. Turning our goals and plans into reality takes more than just good intentions. Many wellness seekers find themselves motivated at the start but struggle to maintain momentum. The key to lasting success lies in tracking progress consistently (Te Whakawhanake i tō Kaha) and aligning daily actions (Te Whakatūria t

From Plastic Windows to Wellness Framework: How Lived Experience Shapes Indigenous Health I am breaking from my usual weekly post to introduce you to where Te Poutama o te Ora originated. A kaupapa that must be shared. When you hear about health frameworks and wellness models, they often arrive wrapped in academic language—clean, theoretical, and somehow removed from the messy reality of actual lives. But what if I told you that one of the most comprehensive Māori wellness fr

Personal development is a journey that many embark on to improve their quality of life, relationships, and overall well-being. One effective way to support this journey is through counselling. This article explores how counselling can facilitate personal growth, the benefits of counselling, and practical ways to engage in this transformative process. Understanding the Benefits of Counselling Counselling offers a safe and supportive environment where individuals can explore th

We look again at why some patterns—like stress, health issues, or even resilience—seem to run in families? Modern science has an answer, and it’s something Indigenous communities have known for centuries: experiences can leave marks that echo across generations. What Is Epigenetics—and Why Does It Matter? Epigenetics is the science of how life experiences—like trauma or nurturing—can change how our genes work without changing the genes themselves. These changes can be passed

Studying effectively is a skill that can transform the way students learn and retain information. Developing strong study habits is essential for academic success and personal growth. This article explores practical and proven methods to help students improve their study routines, manage time wisely, and stay motivated throughout their educational journey. Understanding Effective Study Strategies Effective study strategies are techniques and approaches that help students lear

We pause from goal setting and activities to let that settle with you and turn back to the topic of Epigenetics. From Understanding to Action: The Nine-Step Path Understanding that we carry epigenetic patterns is profound. But understanding alone doesn't create change. This is where Te Poutama o te Ora moves from insight to transformation—offering a practical pathway for working with what we've inherited. The framework's nine steps weren't designed with epigenetics in mind, y

Whakapapa - Relationships and Connection Goal: "Strengthen whānau bonds through regular meaningful contact, shared meals, and honouring family stories and traditions." Actions / The Plan: Small actions: I will make one connection each day with a family member or friend I haven’t talked to in a while. Big actions: I will share at least one meal every day with my family, with phones away to create space for real connection. Tinana - Health, Nutrition, Weight, Exercise, and

Personal development is a journey that many embark on to enhance their quality of life, improve relationships, and achieve greater satisfaction. The journey to achieving this vision starts with setting clear, achievable goals. I have termed these as 'Goal and Wellbeing Dimensions'. Let's examine some examples using the five Pou of Te Poutama o te Ora. Whakapapa - goals related to relationships and connection "Strengthen whānau bonds through regular meaningful contact, shared

Te Whare Tapa Whā (Durie, 1984) has been used with great success within health, human resource management and education.   The four Pou’s continue to be relevant Taha Tinana (Physical Health) – as the Ground or Papa; Taha Wairua (Spiritual Health) - as the Compass; Taha Whānau (Family Health) - as Support and, Taha Hinengaro (Mental Health) - as Navigator.   As previously mentioned, areas for extension that can be supported by Te Poutama o te Ora would be in: ·        Digital

Unlocking your full potential is a journey that requires dedication, insight, and the right support. Personal Growth Counselling offers a structured path to help you grow emotionally, mentally, and even spiritually. It is a powerful tool that can transform your life by helping you overcome obstacles, build resilience, and develop a deeper understanding of yourself. You would have seen me discussing this model in previous posts - Te Poutama o te Ora. This model encourages and

Te Whare Tapa Whā – Duries (1984) foundational model of wellness is of a house that shelters and protects. Without a stable house, there can be no safe ascent. The four dimensions of Taha Tinana, Taha Wairua, Taha Whānau and, Taha Hinengaro are discussed further.   Taha Tinana (Physical Health) – as the Ground or Papa. Transformation and change require physical capacity to sustain body performance. Without attention to sleep, nutrition, movement, and bodily rest, transformati

Finding harmony in life is a goal many strive for but often find elusive. Balancing work, personal time, health, and relationships can feel overwhelming. However, with the right strategies, it is possible to create a fulfilling and balanced lifestyle. This article explores practical life harmony tips that can help you manage your time and energy more effectively, leading to greater satisfaction and well-being. Prioritise Your Time with Clear Boundaries One of the most effecti

Personal growth is a journey that many aspire to embark on, yet it can often feel overwhelming without the right guidance. Self-development counselling offers a structured path to help individuals unlock their true potential, overcome obstacles, and achieve meaningful change. This blog post explores how self-development counselling can transform your life, providing practical insights and actionable steps to start your journey today. Understanding Self-Development Counselling

Te Poutama o te Ora: Climbing Toward Wholeness There's a moment many of us experience when we realize that self-help advice, productivity hacks, and wellness trends aren't quite cutting it anymore. We've tried the morning routines, the goal-setting frameworks, the apps that promise to organize our lives. We've read the books about habits, listened to the podcasts about purpose, followed the influencers who seem to have it all figured out. And yet, something still feels fragme

An opportunity to discuss this fascinating topic again and how it can relate to our wellness and wellbeing. Looking backwards into the future with my eyes fixed on the past " Kia whakatōmuri te haere whakamua" What Epigenetics Means for Inheritance: The Science Behind Whakapapa Our tūpuna (ancestors) have always known something that Western science is only now beginning to confirm, that we carry our lineage within us in ways far deeper than physical resemblance. The concept

Many people struggle to manage their time and energy effectively, leading to stress and burnout. Fortunately, there are proven strategies that can help you improve your life alignment and enjoy a more fulfilling daily routine. This article explores practical tips and actionable advice to guide you toward a more harmonious lifestyle. Understanding the Importance of Balance Improvement Tips Achieving a better life balance is not just about dividing your time equally between wor

The number 9 is often associated with spiritual growth, compassion, and universal love. In the realm of wellness, integrating the essence of number 9 can lead to profound transformations in our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Here’s how you can harness the power of this number in your wellness journey. 1. Embrace Compassion and Service The essence of number 9 encourages us to be compassionate and to serve others. Engaging in acts of kindness can enhance your e

Achieving harmony in various aspects of life is essential for overall happiness and well-being. When we talk about balance or life-alignment, it’s not just about dividing time equally between work and leisure but about creating a sustainable rhythm that nurtures the mind, body, and soul. This article delves into the life harmony benefits and practical ways to cultivate balance for a happier, more fulfilling life. Understanding Life Harmony Benefits Life harmony benefits exten

We have been focussing on what we can do to bring life re-alignment into our lives in ways that can manage and enable us to focus on what matters most to us. With this approach, it is possible to create a life method that nurtures your well-being and productivity. This article explores practical ways to help you achieve this goal. Understanding Life Methods Life methods are strategies and habits designed to help you manage your time and energy effectively. They focus on align