Toi Ora, Whatuora: Exploring Whatu Pedagogy and Wellbeing

This article explores whatu as a Māori arts pedagogy, focusing on how it extends beyond traditional practice into a space of oranga for practitioners and learners alike. Drawing from qualitative interviews with three experienced wāhine kaiwhatu, the study examines their early learning experiences, teaching methods and reflections on how their pedagogy has evolved over time. The findings reveal that whatu pedagogy is deeply embedded in intergenerational transmission, cultural identity and creative practices that contribute to Māori community wellbeing. The research highlights the importance of critically reflecting on how Māori arts practices are taught, emphasising that pedagogies should be adaptive and responsive to the learner’s needs while preserving cultural integrity. By theorising whatu as a pedagogy for oranga, the article contributes to the under-researched field of Māori pedagogies and advocates for broader engagement with Māori creative arts as a vital component of flourishing Māori futures.