Whare tangata ora: A whakapapa informed review of mātauranga Māori and literature

Intern: Eilensia Kahukura Williams-Ransfield, Victoria University of Wellington

Supervisor: Dr Deanna Haami, Massey University

This literature review evaluates the available academic research pertaining to the role of wairua in whare tangata ora. It responds to the serious deficit of academic outputs in this area and contributes to the rationale on why it is needed. 

Wairua conceptions have been deeply fragmented by colonisation and Christianity. Presently we contend with a spectrum of conceptualisations which often evade clarity and accessibility, further entrenching oppression particularly unique to wāhine Māori. Despite this, the female body and our primordial whakapapa is steadfast in its directional provision for emerging reclamations of the meaning and role of wairuatanga.