The role of wh anau (extended families) is recognised as an essential aspect of hauora (wellbeing) for M aori, who are over represented in populations where there is injury or insult to the brain. Wh anau m atauranga (knowledge systems) are a potent resource for enhancing recovery outcomes. This approach, based on Rangahau Kaupapa M aori (research by M aori for M aori) takes the view that by locating the wh anau within their own culturally determined knowledge systems and optimising their intergral role in the delivery of culturally required interventions, the recovery experience will be enhanced, and they will feel a greater sense of ease and self-determination in the process of their own healing. Te Waka Oranga describes a process of bringing together wh anau knowledge, skills, and feelings, with health workers' knowledge, skills, and feelings in the context of identifying recovery destinations they collectively want to bring forward in order to improve the experience of recovery and to improve outcomes for wh anau using the metaphor of a waka. It is also hypothesised that this approach will improve the experience of the health workers. Te Waka Kuaka is a M aori cultural needs assessment tool that has been developed to further guide this work, which uses the metaphor of a flock of godwits. This paper describes the development of a combined approach, using these two tools, with wh anau at the centre. This illustrates in both theory and praxis a culturally defined way of bringing wh anau resources to the fore to promote wh anau healing. While originally designed to address issues in the area of traumatic brain injury, it is likely that this way of working may also have wider application in the areas of insult to the brain such as mental health, addictions, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Key Points1 How to think about and apply M aori concepts of health in practice. 2 Recognising the importance of assessing wh anau cultural needs. 3 Understanding the concept of wairua. 4 The importance of making time for cultural practices of engagement. 5 Increased awareness of m atauranga M aori and use of the wh anau m atauranga resources.