Te Whare Tapa Whā is a model of health developed by Professor Mason Durie.

The four cornerstones in the foundations of a house symbolise four vital interdependent pieces which need to be strong and maintained for health. If one corner is collapsing, the rest of the house will follow!

Using Te Whare Tapa Whā model, Wairua, Hinengaro, Tinana and Whanaungatanga, represent the Spiritual, Mental, Physical and Connectedness aspects or cornerstones of health. It is noted that Mason Durie places much importance on te wairua: the spiritual aspect of health, an area sometimes not considered in western medicine.

Wairua
To be healthy we need to have some awareness of our spirituality. Spirituality is a personal thing, meaning different things to different people. For some it may be simply connecting with nature. For others it is their religion, spiritual beliefs, life philosophy or faith. We all have a need to be true to ourselves; to have hope, a sense of self identity, and a feeling of purpose.

Hinengaro
To be healthy we need to have positive aims, self-direction and self control. We need self awareness and self respect. Mental health requires positive self talk and positive values and attitudes. Learning is a healthy lifelong process. We need to have choices and power in our lives.

Tinana
We often think of just the physical body when we talk about being healthy. This aspect is about physical fitness, healthy living, nutrition, body care and physical wellbeing. We need to take notice of the messages our bodies give us, such as physical reactions to activity, life and stress.

Whanaungatanga
Healthy relationships and effective communication skills reflect in our health and state of wellbeing. Health includes being able to give and receive love and having a sense of belonging.

Reflexology New Zealand Member