Taiao and Mauri Ora. Māori understandings of the environment and its connection to wellbeing

This article draws on research undertaken for the study Kaitiakitanga: Māori Experiences, Expressions, and Understandings (Beverland, 2022). Four main themes were identified: Whānau, Taiao, Taonga Tuku Iho and Tino Rangatiratanga. The research was undertaken through a Kaupapa Māori methodology that carried an obligation to apply Māori ways of knowing and being across all areas of the study. This article draws upon one component from the larger study that concerned taiao and mauri ora. Kaikōrero discussed how being on land, by their respective waterways or being able to access their own cultural resource brought them mauri ora such as balance, cultural connection and wellness. The article begins by outlining how Māori discuss and understand our relationship to taiao, which includes our whakapapa relationships. Taiao and mauri ora are then discussed and defined. Finally, the methodology, methods, findings and discussions related to taiao and mauri ora are presented.