17 Dec Advancing Indigenous Public Health at the Orange Whenua, Oranga Tangata Symposium
I te Noema 26-27 karangahia ai ngā iwi e Hāpai Te Hauora ki Te Papa Tongarewa, ki te kaupapa ‘Oranga Whenua, Oranga Tangata’. He hui tēnei i whakakotahi ai i ngā kaikōkiri o ngā kaupapa huhua e arotahi ana ki ngā mātāpono o te ao Māori hei oranga mō te iwi Māori.
Alongside community champions and leaders, our Mātauranga Māori and Relationships Manager, Ranginui Rikirangi-Thomas, shared the positive impacts of the Umu Kohukohu Whetū ceremony in the Te Arawa region. With a focus on Pōhutukawa, he discussed the aspect of the ritual dedicated to remembering and honouring those who have passed.
“The positive impact of Mātauranga Māori on our health extends beyond individuals—it enhances the vitality of our communities, creating a legacy of strength and well-being for generations to come,” said Ranginui.
Through his kōrero, Ranginui highlighted the relevance of Mātauranga Māori, encouraging attendees to hold fast to its teachings as a guiding force for individual and collective well-being.
“Mātauranga Māori is not only a bridge to cultural heritage, but a pathway to resilience, balance, and its impact on the well-being of a person,” he said. “Whether through the practices of Matariki, the stories of our great navigators, or mahinga kai, Mātauranga Māori is both a foundation for addressing modern challenges and a source of empowerment for future generations.”
The symposium’s broader message was clear: by honouring and integrating Mātauranga Māori, we can create sustainable health outcomes that benefit not only individuals but also entire whānau, hapū, and iwi. The lessons shared at the event reinforced the need for a collective approach to health, grounded in Indigenous knowledge and aligned with the aspirations of Māori communities.
As the symposium concluded, participants were left with a renewed commitment to embedding Mātauranga Māori into public health strategies. The shared vision of oranga (well-being) for Māori communities underscored the importance of collaboration and the transformative potential of culturally grounded solutions.
The Oranga Whenua, Oranga Tangata Symposium was a reminder of the resilience and innovation inherent in Māori culture. By holding fast to Mātauranga Māori, we can continue to foster a legacy of strength, balance, and wellness for generations to come.
“Puritia ngā taonga, ngā kōrero, ngā mātauranga i tukua mai e ō tātou tūpuna, mānawatia ngā kura huna ō roto, ka horahia ai hei painga mō te iwi, mō ō tātou uri.”
About the Oranga Whenua, Oranga Tangata Symposium
The Oranga Whenua, Oranga Tangata gathering emphasised the shared vision of whānau, hapū, iwi, and hapori-driven well-being, with keynote speakers, panel discussions, and interactive workshops designed to inspire innovative pathways for holistic health outcomes.
