Whāia te Oranga Initiative Empowers 150 Tamariki Through Kaupapa Māori Hauora in West Auckland

RĀNUI, WEST AUCKLAND — A new kaupapa Māori initiative is transforming the wellbeing of more than 150 tamariki across West Auckland by bringing specialist hauora programmes directly into Māori bilingual classrooms. On Thursday, 8 October 2026, details were shared regarding Whāia te Oranga, a programme developed by Healthy Families Waitākere in collaboration with kaiako and whānau to bridge gaps in specialist Māori health education. Currently operating at Rānui Primary School and New Windsor School, the initiative provides students with regular access to both traditional and contemporary Māori wellbeing activities. The curriculum incorporates mau rākau, kī-o-rahi, and Mauri Tau, effectively blending physical activity with cultural identity and emotional resilience. According to Waatea News, the programme is grounded in te ao Māori to ensure tamariki thrive in environments that reflect their own heritage. Healthy Families Waitākere Systems Innovator Christian Curtis says the programme addresses a specific need within bilingual units. He notes that while kaiako are often managing heavy curriculum demands and te reo Māori revitalisation efforts, Whāia te Oranga provides the necessary support to integrate hauora without adding to that burden. The model is designed to build long-term capability by supporting teachers to develop their own hauora knowledge while involving whānau in the educational journey. Early results from participating schools indicate a positive shift in the classroom environment. Tauira at New Windsor School have reportedly become more focused and engaged in their learning following the introduction of the activities. As the programme continues through the remainder of 2026, organisers are looking at how this model of kaupapa Māori hauora could be sustained and eventually expanded to support bilingual units across Aotearoa.