Carving a pathway to wellbeing : a toi whakairo approach to mental wellbeing led by a Māori health provider : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Public Health at Massey University, Aotearoa, New Zealand

Abstract

Māori experience persistent inequities in mental health outcomes underscoring the need for culturally grounded, responsive approaches to care. This thesis explores how whakairo (carving), delivered through a kaupapa Māori health provider, operates as a therapeutic tool to support mental health and wellbeing. Situated within Te Kōhao Health in the Waikato region, the study examines how a toi-based approach contributes to hauora (Māori philosophy of health) within a primary healthcare context and considers implications for mental health policy and service delivery. This rangahau (process of finding out or seeking – Māori research) is grounded in a kaupapa Māori methodology exercised through the Takarangi Framework. Ethical approval was obtained from Massey University’s Human Ethics Committee (OM2 25/24). As an artist, I also engaged uku (clay) as an embodied method of inquiry, with the making of an ipu whenua (vessel used to hold and bury the placenta) which is woven throughout the thesis as a parallel creative and analytical journey. Data were gathered through hui (gatherings, meetings) and semi-structured interviews with nine storytellers, including tohunga whakairo (expert carvers), programme graduates, Te Kōhao leaders, and kura (school) representatives connected to the carving programme. Their pūrākau (talk, stories, narrative) provide lived, organisational, and facilitative perspectives on the therapeutic application of whakairo. Findings are presented through an interpretative pūrākau structured around the metaphor of a waka (canoe) journeying along an awa (water), generating ripples of mauri ora (wellbeing and flourishing). Whakairo emerged as an interconnected system of artistic practice (waka), kaupapa Māori (Māori way of doing) processes (awa), and healing outcomes (mauri ora). As an embodied art form, it fostered symbolism, reflection, coping, meaning making and forward movement. As a kaupapa Māori approach, it was grounded in tikanga (customary system of values and practices), wairua (spirit), whakapapa (genealogy, connection), and collective responsibility. As a therapeutic pathway, it strengthened identity, resilience, whanaungatanga (connection, kinship, relationship), belonging, and mana (prestige, authority) expressed through achievement, confidence and pride. Through these forms of healing participants were observed to move from states of mauri moe or mauri oho (compromised wellbeing) toward mauri ora—flourishing wellbeing. This thesis contributes new insights into the therapeutic application of whakairo and highlights the need for funding, evaluation, and policy environments that better recognise Māori-led, holistic approaches to mental health and wellbeing.