Cook Islands
Introduction to Turanga Māori
The Cook Islands Conceptual Framework Turanga Māori was developed by the Cook Islands Working Group: Ani James, Jean Mitaera and Apii Rongo-Raea.
The Framework
The orama (vision) of the framework is the optimum wellbeing of the ngutuare (household), kopu tangata (family) and oire tangata (district/community) within which Māori live. The continuum of wellbeing asserts that all Māori have the right to expect no’o’anga meitaki and ora’anga meitaki, that is to live in good circumstance and have a good life. An individual or collective has the potential to live life to its fullest and therefore achieve ora’anga mou. A good and fulfilled life is acknowledged with the blessing ‘may you live on’, kia ora ana.
Ora’anga mou assumes a balance of all aspects of life. When all physical needs are being met and upheld, spiritual and emotional wellness complement the ora’anga of the individual and the collective.
Violence is understood as a violation of the wellbeing of the victim(s) and the perpetrator(s). It disconnects both parties from the continuum of wellbeing and, transgresses the tapu (divine sacredness) of both.
Meet our Facilitators
Our facilitators who deliver Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu’s training programmes are chosen for their cultural expertise, knowledge of social work practices in Aotearoa and experience working with Pacific families.
Reverend Teremoana Tauira
Facilitator
Reverend Teremoana Tauira
Pastor Teremoana QSM and Kitiona Tauira were commissioned in 1992 for pastoral care in Porirua. After 30 years they continue their ministry and have been blessed with four children and two grandchildren. Over the years they have been involved in various community initiatives to address social and health problems impacting our Pacific peoples.
This includes family violence and education programs to empower and inform parents; conducting free fitness classes to address health issues; and other community driven projects in Porirua.
Kitiona Tauira
Facilitator
Kitiona Tauira
Kitiona Tauira is a qualified Social Worker and has been working at the Pacific Health Services in Porirua for 20 years.
Together with her husband, Pastor Teremoana QSM, Kitiona was commissioned in 1992 for pastoral care in Porirua. After 30 years they continue their ministry and have been blessed with four children and two grandchildren. Over the years they have been involved in various community initiatives to address social and health problems impacting our Pacific peoples.
This includes family violence and education programs to empower and inform parents; conducting free fitness classes to address health issues; and other community driven projects in Porirua.
Community Insights
Nga Vaka o Kāiga Tapu helps to communicate the protective factors in Pacific cultures which can help nurture families through strong relationships.
John Kiria
"As a navigator, especially in the health sector, it’s important we’re aware of different initiatives and trainings so we can pass on information to our people. We haven’t yet come to a point in dealing with domestic violence, but it’s best to be prepared in case we do come across it."
Matapo (Mata) Rakanui
"We need to discuss this with other leaders so we can share it with our families and communities. I believe that by going out there and practicing the Turanga Māori framework, we can help reduce violence in our communities."
Resources
Download some of our resources here.