How to incorporate Te Ao Māori into your hapūtanga
We recognise that hapūtanga/pregnancy is not only a physical journey but a deeply spiritual and cultural one. Many whānau wish to bring Te Ao Māori into their hapūtanga journey, and there are many beautiful ways to weave tikanga and wairua into pregnancy, birth and beyond.
Oriori
Oriori are traditional Māori lullabies that carry more than just melody. They are woven with whakapapa, history, and aspirations for pēpi. These waiata were often composed especially for a child, sharing stories of their tīpuna, whenua and the values their whānau wished to pass down.
During hapūtanga, oriori can be sung to pēpi in the womb, connecting them early to familiar voices, rhythms and their identity. After birth, oriori soothe pēpi while surrounding them with the richness of Te Ao Māori. Singing oriori is also a beautiful way for pāpā, siblings and wider whānau to bond with pēpi and strengthen their connection to whakapapa and reo.
The link below will take you to the Hākui website, created by Dr Kelly Tikao (Kaupapa Māori Researcher), where you can listen to beautiful examples of oriori.
Harakeke
Harakeke holds deep significance in hapūtanga (pregnancy) and Māori birthing traditions. Its strong, flexible fibres symbolise protection, nurturing and connection, reflecting the care and support given to both māmā and pēpi throughout hapūtanga. The inner fibres, or Muka, can be crafted into a Muka tie, which is used as a natural alternative to a cord clamp for the umbilical cord. Muka has natural antibacterial properties, helping to reduce the risk of infection while providing a gentle and safe method for tying the cord (see video below on how to use a Muka Tie).
Harakeke is also used in the creation of a wahakura, a traditional woven flax bassinet for newborns. The wahakura offers a safe and breathable sleeping space for pēpi, continuing the protective and nurturing qualities of harakeke after birth.
Mirimiri and Rongoā
During hapūtanga, mirimiri (traditional Māori massage) and rongoā (Māori healing practices) play an important role in supporting the wellbeing of both māmā and pēpi. Mirimiri can help relieve tension, improve circulation and promote relaxation, creating a sense of calm and balance throughout pregnancy. Rongoā, which may include the use of medicinal plants, harakeke and other natural remedies, supports physical health, emotional wellbeing and spiritual connection.
Integrating mirimiri and rongoā into hapūtanga care helps honour traditional Māori knowledge and practices, fostering a holistic approach that nurtures māmā, supports pēpi and strengthens the bond within whānau. These practices can be tailored to individual needs and incorporated alongside modern maternity care to provide culturally safe and meaningful support throughout hapūtanga.
Whenua (placenta)
In Te Reo Māori, whenua means both the placenta and the land, showing the sacred connection between life and mother earth. The placenta is seen as a life-giving force during hapūtanga, closely linked to Papatūānuku, the earth mother who nurtures all living things. Birth is not just the arrival of a pēpi, but a continuation of life, connecting māmā, pēpi and whenua.
After birth, it is customary to return the whenua to the whenua. The placenta is traditionally placed in an ipu whenua made from natural materials like uku (clay) or harakeke (flax) and buried in a special place, often beneath a native tree at your tūrangawaewae. This honours Papatūānuku, supports the wellbeing of māmā and pēpi, and connects pēpi to their land and whakapapa.
The whenua is best kept in the freezer until burial. If you are unable to facilitate a burial on your tūrangawaewae, you can bury it in another location that holds significance for you and your whānau. This ensures the practice remains meaningful and connected to your own whakapapa and values.
Services
Wahakura Wānanga
Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautahi Trust
This wānanga facilitated by Te Puawaitanga, is a space to learn, share, and celebrate Māori traditions around caring for pēpi. The wahakura, woven from harakeke, is more than a safe sleeping place, it is a taonga that carries whakapapa, aroha, and tikanga.
Although we recommend making your own wahakura for your pēpi, if you are unable to attend the wānanga you can request to have a wahakura delivered to you.
Hapūtanga Massage treatment
Te Arateatea
Offered by Te Arateatea, hapūtanga sessions offer māmā a sanctuary where they can completely relax, release tension, explore their relationship with their growing pēpi, and allow themselves to be pampered for a full 90 minutes.
In this modern day and age, wāhine hapū are often leading busy, fast-paced lives, and rarely have the time or space to truly, deeply connect with their bodies or pēpi.
Whānau Mai
Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautahi Trust
Facilitated by Te Puawaitanga, this is a kaupapa Māori antenatal education programme. It is run over a three full day wānanga, with the final wānanga offered after your pēpi arrives.
As per contractual obligations, Whānau Mai is only available to whānau who:
- Whakapapa Māori/Pasifika
- Are having a pēpi who whakapapa Māori/Pasifika
- Any hāpu (pregnant) person under 24 years of age of any ethnicity
Rongoā
Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautahi Trust
This Rongoā service is designed to support whānau using traditional Māori healing.
Rongoā is a holistic approach to hauora, health that encompasses all aspects of wellbeing.
Te taha whānau - social
Tinana - physical
Hinengaro - mental
Wairua - spiritual
**Kurawaka Waipapa