Māori Wisdom Meets Modern Life: Psychiatrist Urges Voting and Nature Connection for Wellbeing in 2026
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Aotearoa New Zealanders are being encouraged to prioritize both civic engagement and reconnection with the natural world as key components of mental and spiritual wellbeing, according to leading psychiatrist Dr. Hinemoa Elder.Drawing on both ancient Māori wisdom and contemporary psychological understanding, Dr. Elder offers practical advice for navigating the complexities of the coming year.
Dr. Elder described 2025 as a year of fluctuating fortunes, encapsulating the experience with a poignant whakatauākī – a Māori proverb: “Ka pari te tai, ka timu te tai, ka ngaro te tohu i haea engari ka mau tonu te wairua.” She explained the meaning, stating, “The tide comes in, the tide goes out. The line that was drawn in the sand – we might no longer see the actual line, but the wairua, the intention, and the spiritual significance of that remains.” this sentiment, she argues, applies to life’s challenges, reminding us that while circumstances change, core values and spiritual grounding endure.
Acknowledging the unique experience of entering two new years – the Gregorian calendar year and the Māori new year, Matariki – Dr. Elder encourages embracing both. “We’re in a really interesting time where we’re moving into a new Gregorian year, but we’re also looking towards Matariki, which is a time of reflection, renewal, and looking forward. It’s a gorgeous time to set intentions.”
A Psychiatrist Rooted in Culture
Dr. Elder is a consultant psychiatrist working in both English and reo (language) with her psychiatric practice. Her doctoral research focused on developing a tikanga-based therapeutic framework for Māori children experiencing traumatic brain injuries. Currently working at iwi-run health services Te Hiku Hauora, she emphasizes the importance of cultural grounding in healthcare.
Daily practice at Te Hiku Hauora incorporates whakamoemiti (giving thanks), discussions of the maramataka (Māori lunar calendar) and te kanohi a hina (the face of Hina, goddess of the moon), alongside waiata (songs) and affirmation of Muriwhenuatanga (Muriwhenua iwi identity). this reflective approach echoes the wisdom found in her published works – Aroha, Wawata, Waitohu, and her latest book, Ara – all of which encourage connection with the habitat, community, and self.
A Concrete Call to Action for 2026
Despite her deep roots in traditional wisdom, Dr.Elder’s most pressing advice for 2026 is remarkably direct: register to vote.With an election year approaching in Aotearoa, she stresses the importance of political participation as a vital component of mental health and wellbeing.
“My first piece of advice is please make sure you are registered to vote and make sure that you are thinking about and learning about our political system and how you can have your voice, as that’s also part of our mental health and wellbeing,” she stated. Acknowledging that some individuals feel disenfranchised, she urged people to “find a purpose for voting,” emphasizing that the right to vote was hard-won and should be exercised.
The Healing Power of Nature
Beyond political engagement,Dr. Elder advocates for a purposeful return to the natural world. “Secondly, get out in nature, get out in the taiao.Look up at the sky, look at the moon, look at the stars, look at the landscape around you. That is the tuāpapa (foundation) of health and wellbeing, to recognise how connected we are and that most of our lives are organised around things that actually keep us away from the natural world, regrettably. Get among it.”
She encourages actively seeking opportunities to be near water,in the ngahere (forest),and to simply “sit in and pay attention and notice what’s going on in te taiao.” This reconnection, she believes, is essential for fostering a sense of belonging and overall wellbeing.
Ara, by Dr. Hinemoa Elder,is available now from Penguin Random House New Zealand.
