Lay summary
This Mana Wahine research aims to enhance the (well)being and belonging of Māori women by (re)connecting their practices and stories to the natural environment. It reframes poor health statistics of Māori, influenced by colonization and systemic issues, and provides a safe space to elevate mana and capability. The study uses traditional and contemporary storytelling—Korikori Kōrero, wānanga, and creative exhibitions—to develop a wellbeing model based on Ngā Pou Māreikura: five pou representing wāhine relationships to atua, taiao, and themselves. Each pou will be used to demonstrate, apply, and evaluate how wāhine connection to atua supports diverse healing practices and positive health outcomes, such as increased physical activity, nature contact, improved access to healthy kai, and understanding whakapapa as a protective factor for physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Harnessing existing cultural practices and community engagement is an intentional approach to efficient resourcing, a practice tūpuna Māori were adept at.