Hui Ora Summit: Voices of Maori Wellbeing
““A wonderful conference in a time of disruption””
The intention of Hui Ora was to uplift, inspire, and remind those attending of the light that exists in these challenging times for wellbeing. It was developed ‘by-Māori for everyone’ and this way of working was felt deeply through the whole experience. From the first presentation I felt welcome, the talks were overwhelmingly positive, daringly honest, emotionally confronting, and inspiring to watch.
The sheer diversity of speakers, and subjects, allowed for the opportunity to step back and appreciate mental health within its broader context, and how the different elements of our wellbeing are intricately interwoven. Speakers shared the different pathways and choices that helped them develop hauora, and how they were using this knowledge to serve the wellbeing of their communities.
Although it’s difficult to capture the emotional essence of the presentations through words, we have attempted to share our key takeaways from Hui Ora and look forward to connecting with, and learning more from, these speakers in the year to come.
The beauty of vulnerability and shared experience
““People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care” ”
What was most striking about this conference was its humanness. Listeners were treated as close friends, the conversations felt personal, and the presenters opened their hearts to share their darkest and most vulnerable experiences.
This was enabled by the clear foundations of Hui Ora: the aroha, the sense of community, and the raw passion of those who were presenting. Storytelling replaced the usual presentation of analysis that persist at conferences. The talks were light on supporting material, paving the way for speakers to make real connection through their narratives.
It was the definition of normalising discussions about our mental health as leaders spoke candidly about their own personal struggles and emotional challenges. Presenters spoke of the challenges of moving city, running a business, being overworked or experiencing trauma and the resulting anxiety, depression, shame or apathy.
Each speaker shared the experiences and elements in their lives that allowed them to regain balance or weather the storm they were going through. The prevailing message was one of inspiration, confidence, pride, meaning, and hope.
Reconnection, balance and healing
““Why do we put all of the responsibility on the person to reach out. If you’re feeling alright you need to reach to those that might need your help. Don’t ask them to reach out, reach in” ”
Reconnection and balance were core themes that were woven throughout. Speakers shared different elements of what was missing from their overall sense of hauora, and how they filled these gaps by building deeper connection, and restoring balance, through:
Deconstructing the harmful imbalances that were introduced by Europeans such as gender roles that lowered the status of women
Re-establishing strong linkages with friends and whanau who are a vital source of support during times of adversity.
Restoring and regenerating the natural flora and fauna within the urban environment of Tāmaki Makaurau so that ecosystems can thrive, and those living in the city have the opportunity to connect with their whenua
Connecting past and present, drawing on ancestral wisdom and the holding the responsibility to serve future generations
Navigating personal journeys through Te Whare Tapa Whā to explore and develop hauora
For each speaker, building individual strength had a clear connection to being able to positively impact the whanau and the wider communities around them.
Throughout the presentations and different journeys, I was reminded of a quote by Chellie Spillar that for me identified the types of leaders we were listening to.
“A wayfinding leader stands with others from a place of deep humility, they help others step into their own rangatira space and they have a fierce commitment to their people and their purpose”
Inclusive, living and narrative driven models
““We are in an indigenous conference and Waiata is a natural part of our healing and natural part of how express our joy””
The conference comes at an important time when many of us are experiencing some form of pressure on our wellbeing. Whether it’s covid-related, isolation from friends or family, or simply not having the same routines we normally would in our everyday lives.
The wellbeing models presented throughout the presentations were dynamic, malleable and reflective of the changing nature of human experience. In each there was a sense of flow, whether it was Mr G talking about our stress buckets overflowing and the need for an outflow release, Precious Clark’s personal model for achieving balance, mauri ora and mauri tau, or Lee Timutimu’s wellbeing journey through the different elements of Te Whare Tapa Whā.
These all emphasised the constant movement and changeability of our emotions and circumstances. Each model was living, practical and accompanied by a powerful narrative, a stark contrast to many of the static, scientific models which are often seen in the mental health space.
It was refreshing to see these Māori world views demonstrating the connectivity between different elements of a person’s life. It provided contrast with the often specialised and siloed approach of western medicine.
Waiata, family, environment, community, cultural identity and work can all play an important someone’s overall mental wellbeing and play a role in lighting the fire within.
Final Reflections
A massive thanks to the two organisers, and hosts for the event Tuihana Ohia and Ninakaye Taanetinorau. The space you created allowed for the speakers to be themselves, your questions were deep and considered, your introductions were overflowing with love and support.
Ngā mihi nui, this was a fantastic event to be a part of.
Cambrian Berry