The Māia Model

The Māia/Awhi Model developed by Te Ora Hou Aotearoa focuses on collectivism, highlighting the role of whānau and community in healthy youth development, rather than an individualistic approach.

Placing whānau at the centre is an acknowledgement of the role of whānau as the central point of connection and identity for Māori.

The model reflects four core concepts:

  • Whānau – belonging/identity.
  • Pūkengatanga – mastery/competence.
  • Mana Motuhake – independence/responsibility.
  • Atawhai – generosity/contribution.

The Circle of Courage [28] also inspired the development of other localised models of practice reflecting te ao Māori (Māori worldview) methodologies supported by research and evaluation [29].

Māia – Te Ora Hou Aotearoa’s Model of Practice
References
Further reading

[28] Brendtro, L., Brokenleg, M., & Van Bockern, S. (2002). Reclaiming youth at risk: Our hope for the future. Bloomington, in: Solution Tree. Retrieved from http://martinbrokenleg.com/wpcontent/uploads/2016/02/22_4_Brokenleg.pdf

[29] Caddie, M. & Ross, M., (2011). “Hei Tikitiki: Māori Rites of Passage & Youth Development”, Te Ora Hou Aotearoa. April 2007. Gisborne, New Zealand. Retrieved from http://www. communityresearch.org.nz/research/hei-tikitiki-maori-rites-ofpassage-youth-development/

Additional
Resources