What's on Donate Fundraise

Whare Tapa Whā Kete Resource Kit – Book Review

Whare Tapa Whā Kete Resource Kit

Written by Geneva Harrison; illustrated by Katherine Hall; Te Reo by Moana Keelan. (2020). Tuhi Stationery.

This resource kit is designed as an introduction to Te Whare Tapa Whā, a wellbeing model developed by leading Māori health advocate Sir Mason Durie in 1984 that describes health and wellbeing as a wharenui. It is a tool to improve the wellbeing of kids and their whānau and have fun at the same time.

It is designed to be interactive, allowing kids to learn through experience by reflecting on the concepts in this model and their own daily wellbeing habits. Self-awareness is encouraged through activities such as keeping a record with a journal, workbooks, activity cards, white board markers, posters, and habit charts. It allows them to get creative with multiple ways to personalise the material, with coloured pencils and affirming sticker slogans to highlight positive progress.

This kit includes a copy of Geneva Harrison and Katherine Hall’s book Whare Tapa Whā, which showcases how you can use the model. The main character, Michael, and his mum talk through the four walls of the whare tapa whā to help them stay healthy during the coronavirus pandemic.

I think this box set is a real treasure trove and is a fun way to share learnings about the importance of self-care. It is also an opportunity to spark family conversations about what each person likes to do to keep well and feel good.

This review is for the kit for ages 5-8, but the publisher has adapted the resources to tailor for year 1 to year 10, with both Te Reo Māori and bilingual versions.

Reviewed by Kim Higginson, Information Management Specialist, MHF

Disclaimer: Please note these reviews are not intended as endorsements or recommendations from the Mental Health Foundation. This feature introduces resources that may be useful for individuals with an interest in mental health and wellbeing topics.

Monday

MONDAY

Start the week off with an act of kindness. On the first day of MHAW, take some time out of your day to help someone in a small but meaningful way. Even one simple thing, like carrying groceries or holding a door open for a stranger, can create a chain reaction of kindness that uplifts the whole community.

Ideas for how you can help someone today:

Tuesday

TUESDAY

It’s no secret that the pandemic, rising costs and extreme weather events have made things tough for our local businesses and organisations over the past few years. Today, we encourage you to tautoko/support an independent merchant or community organisation. Why not purchase a small gift for a friend from a local creator, or post about an awesome business or community group on social media? A little tautoko can go a long way in difficult times.

To support a small neighbourhood business or community organisation today, you could:

Wednesday

WEDNESDAY

We’ve made it to the middle of the week!

Feeling connected to others is strongly associated with better wellbeing, because it gives us a sense of meaning, safety, support and purpose. Give yourself — and your loved ones — a mid-week boost, by reaching out to a friend or whānau member you would like to catch up with.

You could connect with the important people in your life today, by:

Thursday

THURSDAY

As we move closer to the weekend, find some time in your day to connect with someone in your community that you don’t usually talk to. Introduce yourself to a neighbour, a parent at your child’s school, or someone at your local café . Building relationships with people who live in your community can create a supportive network, right at your doorstep. 

To get to know someone new in your community today, you could:

Friday

FRIDAY

What better way to finish off the week, than by saying thank you to someone in your community? Spread some good vibes by showing your gratitude today  it could be to the courier driver, to a local volunteer, or to a workmate or neighbour…anyone who helps make your community what it is. 

You could express gratitude to those in your community today, by: