How Māori Experience Mental Health: Identity, Tikanga, and Access to Support

The representation and inclusion of indigenous models of hauora (health) in mainstream medicine is vital to ensuring culturally-safe health services. In this episode, we delve into Māori mental health specifically from the lens of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. We discuss the importance of whakapapa; knowing who you are, where you come from and your sense of belonging to hauora and ways that services can shift to a preventive care model for whānau, hapū and iwi.Our guest speaker, Tūrakawa Bartlett, addresses common narratives about Māori wellbeing and offers insights on how te ao Māori (Māori worldview) is beneficial for everyone, not just Māori. Together, we discuss what signs to look out for when someone you know may be struggling or how to know when you are struggling yourself.In this episode, we dive deep into answering the following thorny questions:00:00 – Introduction03:05 – Framing today’s session from a Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei iwi lens06:00 – Mental health from a Māori worldview12:40 – Barriers preventing Māori from connecting with their true identity19:00 – What help is available for Māori experiencing mental health challenges22:50 – How support services can make it easier for Māori to reach out25:00 – Signs to look for when checking in on someone who may be struggling27:50 – Internal signs that you might be struggling yourself30:50 – What non‑Māori can do to create culturally safe support spaces39:00 – Definitions of kawa and tikanga42:35 – Differences in how Māori and non‑Māori experience health services46:50 – Why a bicultural Māori and non‑Māori health model is essential49:30 – Signs someone may need professional help52:30 – Rose, Letica, and Turaukawa’s personal wellbeing practicesLeticia, from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Kaipara, has completed her training as an Intern Clinical Psychologist and is currently working on research. Her approach to psychological well-being and oranga is shaped by clinical expertise and lived experience, with a strong focus on Māori mental well-being and previous experience in community alcohol and drug (AOD) services. Tūraukawa, from Ngāti Whātua ki Tāmaki, is the CEO and Director of MANAVATION, a kaupapa Māori hauora service supporting Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti in achieving their wellbeing goals through cultural and language revitalisation. Tūraukawa has received numerous recognitions, including the Bob Henare Award for Individual Excellence in Māori Mental Health and DAPAANZ Best Newcomer to the Addictions Sector. He also facilitates reo Māori wellbeing retreats to enhance cultural foundations and promote holistic wellbeing. Rose, a graduate Enrolled Nurse from Ngāti-Whātua Ōrākei and Ngāti Kahu ki Whangāora, draws from her lived experience of losing two siblings to suicide, which drives her commitment to providing compassionate care.