Hapūtanga wānanga strengthens cultural connection to whenua

Auckland-based Ātea editor Liam Rātana has highlighted the enduring importance of hapūtanga wānanga, full-day antenatal courses grounded in tikanga Māori that assist whānau in navigating the sacred traditions of childbirth. Writing for The Spinoff on 4 August 2026, Rātana shared how these wānanga provide a space for parents to prepare for the arrival of their tamariki by connecting with ancestral practices, such as the creation of an uku (clay vessel) for the whenua (placenta). During these sessions, Māori midwives facilitate discussions on the tapu nature of the placenta, which is regarded as the source of nourishment for a child within te whare tangata. Rātana noted that while the term whenua refers to land, it is also the word for placenta, signifying a profound spiritual link between people and the earth. Traditionally, many whānau choose to bury the placenta in a meaningful location to strengthen the child’s connection to their ancestral lands and their identity. While personal circumstances and medical emergencies can sometimes disrupt birth plans—as Rātana experienced when his son was born five weeks early—the cultural foundation provided by the wānanga remains a vital part of Māori health and wellbeing. The practice of using an ipu whenua (placenta container) ensures that the mauri of the whenua is respected, even when hospital interventions are necessary for the safety of the mother and child. These educational initiatives reflect a broader movement within the Māori health sector to maintain and share indigenous knowledge. By focusing on the sanctity of the birthing process and the reclamation of traditional rites, Māori health leaders and midwives continue to provide culturally safe environments that empower the next generation of whānau in Aotearoa.