Mahi ā Atua: A Māori framework of transformative care

This article will briefly introduce my understanding of Mahi ā Atua developed by Dr Diana and Mark Kōpua. It is kaupapa Māori framework of transformative care, a paradigm and an intervention. I learned about Mahi ā Atua at the excellent Toi Tangata Hui ā Tau in November 2021 where Mark and Diana presented.

The Mahi ā Atua model invites us to live in tune with our atuatanga (which I understand as identity, authenticity). It draws on traditional narratives and stories (pūrākau) such as the creation and custom stories of Māori atua (gods). One example is the creation story of the three baskets of knowledge – the seen, the unseen, rituals.

The model has been applied in the mental health context. From a Māori worldview, a mental health diagnosis is only an idea and always has a whakapapa (history and context). Mental health “problems” only exist if society values something different. For example, Attention Deficit Disorder can only exist, if society values focus.

The Mahi ā Atua is guided by 3 key mātāpono (principles): 

1. Ka mā te ariki ka mā te tauira (Be an active learner): process-driven - not outcome-driven, be curious, open-minded, question things, be both teacher and student.
2. Hongi Hongi te wheiwheiā (Embrace negative feedback): feedback that challenges your thinking leads to growth.
3. Tēnei te po nau mai te ao (Indigenise your spaces): this includes re-remembering, re-connecting, re-valuing stories.

For me, with a 'western' background, Mahi ā Atua takes time to understand and I am a long way away to understand it. However, it certainly challenges my thinking and the concepts and ideas really resonate with me.

For more information, publications about Mahi ā Atua, please visit the following website or watch the attached YouTube clips: