Whanau Heart

Literally, whanau translates into the English word family. But in Māori society a family is not the nucleus family that western society define. Whanau is the collective of people connected through a common ancestor. Hapa and iwi are also called whanau by a person who is a member of the same hapa or iwi.

In modern day society, whanau can also be described as a group of people who are not related, but who are bound together to fulfill a common purpose, share a common cause or interest. Examples are a kindergarten, church, support groups, team-mates, colleagues, sports groups etc. A group of friends may be referred to as a whanau as there is a common interest of friends.

Whanau recognize that each member of the whanau is supported by the other members of the whanau and are united as one. Knowledge and resources are shared within the whanau to empower each other, therefore, to empower the whanau.

A physically and mentally healthy whanau empowers the whanau to succeed and overcome issues with greater support. There is no feeling of isolation within a whanau.