Matariki and Hauora

Overview

This 60-minute lesson for Year 11 Health students in New Zealand explores the cultural significance of Matariki, the Māori New Year, and its connection to Hauora, using Mason Durie’s Te Whare Tapa Whā model. Students will gain an understanding of the four dimensions of Hauora—spiritual (taha wairua), mental/emotional (taha hinengaro), physical (taha tinana), and social well-being (taha whānau)—and how these relate to personal and community well-being during Matariki. The lesson is culturally responsive, aligned to the New Zealand Curriculum, and encourages deep student reflection.

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Curriculum Alignment

Learning Area: Health and Physical Education

• Achievement Objective:
• Level 6 (Year 11):
• “Understand how the hauora model (Taha tinana, Taha hinengaro, Taha whānau, and Taha wairua) influences their own and others’ well-being”
• “Explore strategies to enhance personal and community Hauora”
• Key Competencies Supported:
• Relating to others
• Managing self
• Participating and contributing
• Values:
• Community and participation
• Cultural diversity
• Respect for self and others

These aspects ensure students develop knowledge and skills to enhance well-being within a culturally grounded framework.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Describe the cultural significance of Matariki as the Māori New Year.
2. Explain Mason Durie’s Te Whare Tapa Whā model and identify its four dimensions.
3. Connect the symbolism of Matariki to each dimension of Hauora.
4. Reflect on their own well-being and community through the lens of Hauora.
5. Demonstrate understanding through participation in group discussions and a reflection activity.

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Lesson Plan

Total Time: 60 minutes

Class Size: 25 students

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1. Introduction to Matariki and Hauora (10 minutes)

• Activity: Teacher-led interactive presentation.
• Content:
• Brief explanation of Matariki—what it is and its importance as the Māori New Year to Māori culture.
• Introduction of Mason Durie’s Te Whare Tapa Whā model:
• Taha Wairua (spiritual well-being)
• Taha Hinengaro (mental/emotional well-being)
• Taha Tinana (physical well-being)
• Taha Whānau (social well-being)
• Use visuals such as a graphic of Te Whare Tapa Whā representing a house with four walls.

Teacher notes: Keep explanations clear and interactive. Use Māori language greetings and key terms to support cultural pedagogy and inclusivity.

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2. Group Exploration: Linking Matariki to Hauora (20 minutes)

• Activity: Class divided into four groups; each group explores one dimension of Hauora.
• Task:
• Each group receives a card describing their dimension.
• Prompt questions for groups:
• How does Matariki reflect this aspect of Hauora? E.g., Taha Wairua linked to spiritual renewal and remembering ancestors, Taha Tinana linked to physical health and new seasons.
• What activities or traditions linked to Matariki support this well-being dimension?
• Groups discuss for 10 minutes then prepare a 2-minute presentation.
• Group sharing: Each group shares their reflections with the class.

Materials: Hauora dimension cards, Matariki activity examples (e.g., star gazing, kai sharing, storytelling).

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3. Personal Reflection and Class Discussion (15 minutes)

• Activity: Individually, students write a short reflection answering:
• Which dimension of Hauora do you feel most connected to? Why?
• How could you or your whānau strengthen your well-being in this area during Matariki and throughout the year?
• Follow-up: Share reflections voluntarily in pairs or small groups, discussing personal or community well-being.
• Teacher prompts: Encourage respectful listening and cultural empathy.

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4. Assessment Task and Closing (15 minutes)

• Formative Assessment:
• Use students' completed written reflections as evidence of understanding.
• Assess participation in group discussions and presentations.
• Informal Teacher Observation:
• Observe understanding of Te Whare Tapa Whā during group presentations.
• Note the ability to connect cultural knowledge (Matariki) to well-being concepts (Hauora).
• Closing: Recap key messages about the importance of Matariki and Hauora.
• Invite students to share one takeaway from the lesson.
• Encourage students to apply Hauora concepts to their lives and community.

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Cultural Responsiveness

• Matariki is presented through a respectful Māori worldview, acknowledging its deep cultural importance.
• Use of Māori concepts and language reinforces identity and pride.
• The Te Whare Tapa Whā model honours holistic health and wellbeing that aligns with Māori values.
• Activities scaffold varied learning styles: visual (graphics), oral (presentations), written (reflection) and social (group work).
• Learning environment encourages manaakitanga (kindness) and whakawhanaungatanga (building relationships).

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Resources Needed

• Projector or whiteboard for presentation
• Printed Hauora dimension cards and Matariki activity examples
• Reflection sheets for students
• Pens and paper

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This structured but flexible plan reflects the New Zealand Curriculum’s emphasis on culturally responsive health education, enabling students to build knowledge and skills for lifelong well-being in their own and others’ contexts.