Taurite Tū Initiative Creates Safe Space for Māori Wellness

The Taurite Tū initiative, aimed at enhancing health practices for the Māori community, recently hosted an event that emphasized the creation of a “safe space” for participants. Organized by the Hokonui Rūnanga, one of the original research groups involved in the Māori-focused anti-fall project, the gathering underscored the importance of community-oriented health solutions.

Katrina Pōtiki Bryant, the project lead and a trained physiotherapist, initiated the program in response to a clear need for accessible health practices tailored to Māori traditions. During the event, the attendees participated in traditional Māori customs, including waiata (songs) and karakia (prayers), which set a culturally resonant tone for the day. “Māori understand what we do,” Bryant stated. “They’re not going to challenge the way we’re always going to have a kai — our tikanga comes first.”

The Taurite Tū program now serves over 30 groups across New Zealand, with Bryant noting that establishing a safe space was pivotal for the project’s success. Participants like Raeleen Epere from Dunedin shared their personal experiences, highlighting the program’s welcoming atmosphere. Following a serious fall that resulted in broken knees and other health complications, Epere expressed a preference for the Taurite Tū program over her previous state-directed exercise group. “The people are much more personable,” she remarked, adding, “It’s like a whānau.”

The initiative is funded by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), which aims to increase Māori access to its services. Contrary to common perceptions, Bryant emphasized that claims from tangata whenua are notably low, despite high rates of injury impact. “They’re very low claims, but very high impact of injury,” she explained. The initiative addresses not only physical injuries but also the resulting decrease in confidence and activity levels among participants.

Bryant elaborated on the importance of the environment created by the program: “Here our whānau know they can come back to a safe space. They’ll get engaged in doing exercises and keeping as independent as possible and safe and strong.”

After a morning tea break, participants engaged in new kapa haka-inspired stretches and strengthening exercises, with some taking part while seated. The event also featured various health services, with WellSouth providing blood pressure and blood sugar checks, while Fire and Emergency NZ offered guidance on home fire safety.

The Taurite Tū initiative represents a significant advancement in community health for Māori, promoting both physical well-being and cultural engagement. As the program continues to grow, it aims to foster resilience and independence among its participants, ensuring that health practices are both effective and culturally relevant.