Downloaded from www.careers.govt.nz, Careers New Zealand, 2012
Dr Mason Durie developed the Te whare tapa wha model in 1982. The wholistc model for health and wellbeing may also be applied as approach to education.
The four foundations of well-being in relation to education are:
- Te Wairua - the spiritual aspects of undertaking study
- Te Hinengaro - the mental aspects of undertaking study
- Te Tenana - the physical aspects of undertaking study
- Te Whanau - the social aspects of undertaking study
As Maslow’s hierarchy of needs similarly illustrates, in order for an individual student to realise potential, the foundations of well-being are important.
Maori and Pacific students are underrepresented in the veterinary nursing and animal care courses, Mason Durie’s vision for Māori, ‘To enjoy good health and a high standard of living’ in reality, is less likely to be true for our indigenous students than for the majority. The hangover of colonization means over representation in the statistics relating to poor health and low standards of living. (Ministry of Social Development 2010).
So, what can I do to support indigenous students, to level the playing field. True to humanistic philosophy I can treat all students with empathy, acceptance, and unconditional positive regard. (Sanders, 2002) This works to enable a safe space to learn. To encourage a culturally inclusive learning environment we welcome all students at the start of the year and to block course. We share food. Ground rules around eating and working and sitting on tables are made known and adhered to by staff. Referring Maori and Pacific students to the appropriate student support services and L&N.
My personal experience of supporting individuals is limited being relatively new to this game. I was involved on the periphery of the case last year that Helen blogs about. One thing that struck me about it was a comment made the other day by one of the lecturers who provided a great deal of extra academic support to this girl. She said “As soon as this student realized that we actually cared about her success, that we really wanted her to achieve, it made a huge difference’. She ended up getting 99% in the most difficult exam on the whole course.
The theory that there is unlimited potential in any student given the right learning conditions is illustrated here.
Ministry of Social Development. 2012 The Social Report :Available at:
Accessed on 20.6.12.
Timms‐Dean K. 2011 Indigenous Learners and Flexible Learning. :Otago Polytech
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