Hinengaro

Hinengaro is a Māori term that refers to the mind, intellect, and emotions. In te reo Māori, it encompasses mental processes such as thought, mood, attitudes, and feelings, as well as the capacity for reflection and decision making. The concept is used to describe both internal experiences and how individuals respond to stress, relationships, and life events.

In the health and wellbeing framework Te Whare Tapa Whā, hinengaro is one of four dimensions of health, alongside tinana (the physical body), wairua (spiritual life force), and whanau (family and social connectedness). Hinengaro concerns mental and emotional wellbeing, including cognitive processes, emotional balance, resilience, and the capacity to cope with life’s challenges.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, hinengaro is used in health, education, and social services to guide culturally responsive practice that respects Māori worldviews. It informs assessments of mental health, supports and healing approaches, and policies that aim to integrate cultural identity, language, and experiences into care. The concept supports holistic understanding of wellbeing rather than focusing solely on pathology.

Variations in meaning may exist among iwi and individuals, reflecting differences in interpretation and emphasis. Nevertheless, hinengaro remains a central element of Māori concepts of health, linked to personal identity, social relationships, and the emotional and cognitive dimensions of everyday life.

See also Te Whare Tapa Whā.