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Ngā Pou Whaiora

Global Outcomes Framework

Overview

Ngā Pou Whaiora is a transformative framework developed by Mahi Mihinare that integrates traditional Māori values with universal principles to promote culturally sensitive and inclusive approaches to wellbeing. It is a tool for creating supportive environments where every individual can thrive.

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This page has an overview of everything you need to know about this framework, why we are using it and how it applies to your professional practice. 

What is Ngā Pou Whaiora?

Ngā Pou Whaiora is a comprehensive outcomes framework centered on six core pou (pillars/principles):

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  1. Haumarutanga – Essential Needs: Prioritising safety, security, and basic needs.

  2. Hauora - Wellbeing: Encompassing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

  3. Tūāpapa - Identity: Fostering a sense of identity, values, and purpose.

  4. Whakawhanake - Development: Encouraging education, employment, and personal growth.

  5. Whanaungatanga – Relationships: Highlighting the importance of supportive relationships.

  6. Motuhaketanga - Self-Determination: Promoting autonomy and self-control.

Universal Applicability

Although rooted in Māori values, Ngā Pou Whaiora is designed to be universally applicable. It offers a holistic approach that can enhance professional practice across diverse contexts. This framework is particularly valuable for engaging with Māori communities and offers insights for any cultural setting.

Professional Practice through a Māori Lens

Using a Māori worldview helps professionals engage more effectively with tangata whaiora. It challenges conventional Western paradigms and promotes more empathetic and culturally sensitive methods.

Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Mahi Mihinare is committed to being good treaty partners by integrating and respecting Māori perspectives in our work. By using Ngā Pou Whaiora, we enhance our ability to support all individuals, honoring our obligations and fostering a more just and equitable approach to professional practice.

A Paradigm Shift

Adopting Ngā Pou Whaiora signifies a shift in narratives from personal to societal levels. It encourages alternative perspectives and practices, fostering an environment that recognises the strengths and contributions of all individuals.

Origins and Development

In April 2023, Mahi Mihinare initiated the transition to a new Client Management System called Noted. This process involved meticulous service delivery mapping and a comprehensive review of procedures, leading to the development of Ngā Pou Whaiora. The framework was designed to demonstrate success with the tangata we support and is versatile across diverse interactions within Mahi Mihinare.

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Core Values

The framework is shaped by (but not limited to) the following core Māori values:

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  • Manaakitanga: Hospitality, kindness, and mutual respect.

  • Whanaungatanga: Kinship, relationships, and a sense of belonging.

  • Kotahitanga: Unity and collective action.

  • Kaitiakitanga: Guardianship and sustainable care for the environment and community.

  • Rangatiratanga: Leadership, autonomy, and self-determination.

  • Mātauranga: Knowledge, education, and wisdom.

  • Oranga: Holistic wellbeing.

  • Mauri: Recognising the life force and vitality in all things.

  • Wairuatanga: Spirituality and connection to the sacred.

  Individual Pou within the Framework  

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Haumarutanga

Essential needs

Haumarutanga encapsulates safety and security, essential for survival and wellbeing. It prioritises a secure environment, especially during reintegration, meeting basic needs like housing, food, and healthcare, and ensuring access to necessary resources and support for tangata whaiora. It's the foundation for successful reintegration and overall wellbeing.

Examples of what Haumarutanga looks like in practice:

  • Tangata Whaiora has access to safe and secure housing.

  • Tangata Whaiora has access to basic needs, such as food and clothing.

  • Tangata Whaiora has a plan for managing their finances.

  • Tangata Whaiora is aware of their legal rights and responsibilities.

  • Tangata Whaiora has access to healthcare services.

Hamarutanga
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Wellbeing

Hauora

Hauora epitomises holistic wellbeing, encompassing our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. It signifies a profound sense of purpose, mental resilience, emotional balance, and physical health. From fostering cultural identity to nurturing positive relationships, Hauora embodies the pursuit of optimal health across all facets of life.

Examples of what Hauora looks like in practice:

  • Tangata Whaiora prioritises their physical health through regular exercise and healthy eating.

  • Tangata Whaiora seeks out and engages in activities that promote emotional and mental wellbeing.

  • Tangata Whaiora demonstrates spiritual practices that promote a sense of purpose and connection.

  • Tangata Whaiora has access to healthcare services and resources.

  • Tangata Whaiora understands the importance of self-care and stress management.

Hauora
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Identity

Tūāpapa

Tūāpapa encompasses a profound sense of identity and purpose, crucial for personal growth. It emphasises a solid foundation in identity, values, and knowledge. This outcome nurtures self-identity, cultural understanding, and personal skills pivotal for setting goals and making positive life changes.

Examples of what Tūāpapa looks like in practice:

  • Tangata Whaiora explores and gains a deeper understanding of their cultural identity.

  • Tangata Whaiora develops a positive sense of self and self-worth.

  • Tangata Whaiora identifies and prioritises their personal values and beliefs.

  • Tangata Whaiora has a sense of belonging and connection to their community.

  • Tangata Whaiora develops a positive self-identity that is not defined solely by their past offenses.

Tuapapa
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Development

Whakawhanake

Whakawhanake embodies growth and development, focusing on education, employment, and personal advancement to unlock one's potential. It involves pursuing education to expand skills, seeking employment for stability and community contribution, and engaging in self-improvement practices like goal-setting and skill enhancement.

Examples of what Whakawhanake looks like in practice:

  • Tangata Whaiora enrolls in educational or vocational training programs to achieve their desired career goals.

  • Tangata Whaiora develops a clear plan for achieving their career and life goals.

  • Tangata Whaiora takes steps towards achieving financial stability and independence.

  • Tangata Whaiora participates in employment or volunteer opportunities.

  • Tangata Whaiora gains new skills and knowledge that contribute to their personal and professional development.

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Relationships

Whanaungatanga

Whanaungatanga highlights the essence of relationships in holistic wellbeing. It stresses actively seeking connections, fostering supportive relationships for navigating challenges, and engaging in activities that strengthen personal growth. This outcome underscores the profound impact of positive relationships on an individual's holistic health and thriving.

Examples of what Whanaungatanga looks like in practice:

  • Tangata Whaiora engages in positive social activities and builds supportive relationships.

  • Tangata Whaiora communicates effectively with family, friends, and members of their community.

  • Tangata Whaiora demonstrates conflict resolution and problem-solving skills in their relationships.

  • Tangata Whaiora develops and maintains healthy boundaries in their relationships.

  • Tangata Whaiora seeks out and engages with positive role models and mentors.

Whanaungatanga
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Self Deterimination

Motuhaketanga

Motuhaketanga embodies autonomy and self-determination, advocating for independence and self-control. It involves informed decision-making, effective communication of needs and boundaries, and fostering healthy relationships based on respect and trust. Additionally, it encourages personal growth, goal pursuit, and understanding the interdependence between individual progress and the community.

Examples of what Motuhaketanga looks like in practice:

  • Tangata Whaiora sets and achieves personal goals.

  • Tangata Whaiora takes responsibility for their actions and decisions.

  • Tangata Whaiora develops problem-solving and decision-making skills.

  • Tangata Whaiora demonstrates self-advocacy and self-care skills.

  • Tangata Whaiora engages in activities that promote independence and autonomy.

Motuhaketanga

Application to Practice

Understanding and integrating each principle within the framework is essential for effectively engaging with tangata whaiora. This framework serves as a navigational tool, ensuring support is delivered from a holistic and strength-based perspective.

Ongoing Development and Impact Measurement

Ngā Pou Whaiora is continually refined through independent surveys and data analysis. This approach measures the overall impact of our services and programmes and identifies common themes, trends, gaps, and statistics across the organisation.

Cultural Sensitivity and Competency

Cultural sensitivity and competency are fundamental to the effective application of Ngā Pou Whaiora.  Our strategic plan includes comprehensive training, workshops and initiatives focused on building the confidence and competency of staff within te ao Māori, ensuring practices honor and respect Māori cultural values.

Strategic Perspective

Ngā Pou Whaiora aims to achieve the best outcomes for tangata whaiora by promoting self-awareness, cultural identity, personal growth, and community support. The framework encourages systemic change, fostering a more inclusive and supportive society for all.

Capturing Meaningful Data

Tangata Whaiora engages in service.

Kaiarahi records engagement on noted (as a casenote).

Does the engagement support any or all of these global outcomes?

Reports can then reflect how we are supporting tangata whaiora in the mahi we are doing.

Full Report

If you would like to read the full comprehensive Ngā Pou Whaiora Report click beiow.

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