Series Introduction   Humble Beginnings: Matapihi Kirihou – The founding backstory of Te Poutama o te Ora The plastic windows were never just plastic. They covered what glass couldn’t be afforded. They let in light, but not clearly. And they were the beginning of a backstory that travels forward — into bodies, into relationships, into the homes our children grow up in, and sometimes into the arms of experiences, others and systems that step in when those homes become unsafe.

Trauma Bonding, Debt-Based Love, and the Wound That Goes Looking The continuing story of Mere She is in her forties now. She left the first one after seven years. She told herself she had finally chosen better. New city, new beginning, new person. She believed it completely. The second one looked nothing like the first. Different face, different voice, different reasons she fell. It took four years before she realised she was standing in the same room with different wallpaper

Consider this: The thoughts of not being good enough stem from that time when you first felt anxiety about being inadequate, or you faced a situation in life that you said you couldn't handle, and you reasoned this to be - "It's because I'm not Good Enough". If I then proposed that: Anxiety is a weed , with the root of that weed stemming from a dysfunctional belief or thought . Further, if it is a thought, then it likely can’t be medicated. Instead, you must train your br

A three-phase Te Poutama o te Ora reset for when life piles up, and momentum goes missing. Consider this scenario Do you know that feeling — when life has quietly piled so much onto your shoulders that you can no longer remember what your plans were, what you were working toward, or even where to begin? The to-do list has grown into a to-do novel. The inbox feels like a living thing with demands of its own. The body is tired in that deep, specific way that sleep alone does no

In the quest for wellness and deeper understanding, many seek to explore concepts that blend tradition, technology, and healing. One such intriguing term is iantemo . This word carries layers of significance that resonate with those interested in indigenous knowledge, holistic health, and the integration of modern technology for personal growth. This article delves into the meaning behind iantemo, its cultural roots, and how it can inspire new approaches to wellness. Understa

The maramataka is a traditional Māori lunar calendar that has guided indigenous communities in Aotearoa New Zealand for centuries. It is a system that connects people with the natural rhythms of the moon, the environment, and seasonal changes. For those interested in wellness, indigenous knowledge, and using technology to enhance healing, understanding the maramataka offers a unique way to align daily activities with nature’s cycles. This beginner maramataka guide will introd

We now look at the final steps in the Life Re-Alignment Series: Steps 4-9. Awareness was introduced in Steps 1-3 to show how colonisation impacted and fragmented your behaviours and livelihood. From digital and societal algorithms that learned your preferences, they served you ‘just what you were looking for’, ‘at the right time’, and ‘with a bargain, once-only opportunity’ to engage, like, subscribe, and purchase what was being offered. You established boundaries, built prac

Picture this scenario: - You pick up your phone 'just to check' and three hours vanish into scroll after endless scroll. You meant to pay attention during dinner, but your mind was everywhere except at the table. You promised yourself you'd move your body today—but here you are, exhausted before you even started. These aren't personal failings. They're patterns of colonisation. Systems designed to extract your attention, time, energy, money, and life force—and make you blame

In te Ao Māori, the Puku – the gut, the stomach - isn’t just where you digest food. It’s where your Tuakiri lives. Your identity and sense of self. When someone says they have a ‘gut feeling’ or feel something ‘in their stomach,’ they’re acknowledging this ancient wisdom. Your Puku knows things your mind hasn’t figured out yet. It processes your world in ways logic cannot. It carries your trauma, joy, and knowing. But here’s what colonisation did: it severed that connection.

This post is the first of three that look at how Te Poutama o te Ora can be applied in a practical manner to everyday challenges we all face. The first is Digital Wellness. Understanding Digital Wellness: A Path to Sovereignty Picture this scenario: Have you ever arrived home from work and realised you can’t remember the last five minutes of your drive? Not because you were tired, but because your mind was somewhere else entirely, scrolling through imaginary social media feed

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

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

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

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