Te Whare Tapa Wha - Our Wellbeing Model

We pride ourselves on our bi-cultural focus at Brittany House. As a community, we live and work with the Maori model of care at the forefront of our mind. This model is called Te Whare Tapa Whā. It was first introduced by Mason Durie in 1984. It is used widely in New Zealand and is based on the concept of a wharenui (meeting house) with four equal sides which work together to form a strong base of overall well-being. 

Taha Tinana is the dimension that focuses on physical health, the body’s growth and development, and its ability to function. This dimension emphasises the importance of physical well-being,exercise, nutrition and medical care. Some ways that we achieve Taha Tinana are playing games such as ballon hockey or throwing a ball or dancing to the live music every Friday afternoon at Happy Hour.

Taha Hinengaro encompasses mental and emotional well-being. It highlights the significance of thoughts, feelings, and emotions and how they affect one’s overall health. It also includes how one communicates and thinks. We target Taha Hinengaro through our wonderful clinical team and building our intellectual knowledge through games and lectures.

Taha Whānau stresses the importance of family and social connections. It acknowledges that family and community provide support, strength, and a sense of belonging. Taha Whanau is supported by Brittany House through visits from family and friends and fostering strong relationships with all of our staff.

Taha Wairua covers spiritual well-being, which includes beliefs, values, and practices that provide meaning and purpose. It recognizes the significance of cultural identity, spiritual beliefs, and the connections to the environment and ancestors. Some ways that we achieve Taha Wairua are having weekly calls with a chaplain, using a bi-cultural model of care 

Together, these dimensions form a balanced and comprehensive approach to health and well-being, emphasising the connection between physical, mental, family, and spiritual health. The 'Te Whare Tapa Whā' model encourages our residents and staff to nurture all four dimensions to achieve optimal health and wellness.