Our vision at Toi Te Ora Public Health is lifelong health and wellbeing for all.  Research consistently shows that healthy development in the early years provides the building blocks for lifelong health and wellbeing. The first 1,000 days of a child’s life are a time of great potential and incredible growth.  A baby’s brain is only 15% developed at birth but 85% developed at age three.  Early experiences, relationships and opportunities develop the brain and create a foundation for later health, social and emotional wellbeing.

The establishment of healthy behaviours in a child’s early years increases the likelihood that they will become second nature and continue throughout life. Building Blocks for Hauora is a tool that supports early learning services to invest in this critical stage of life to establish and build healthy foundations for lifelong wellbeing.

Harakeke is used to create taonga using raranga (weaving) techniques like he whiri (braiding) and he whatu (binding). These techniques can symbolise different meanings and understanding of hauora from within both Te Ao Māori and Te Ao Pakeha perspectives. All are interwoven, as in the weaving together of new and old knowledge of hauora and wellbeing in a pathway for whānau to achieve toi ora (optimum health).

Whatu is a binding weave, which provides the base or foundation from which mātauranga (knowledge) originates and can be further interwoven with new knowledge to extend this. With each harakeke strand, you add strength to your whatu and increase the holding capacity and utility of your kete or what is being woven.

The strength of the whānau lies in their ability to weave together a lasting imprint for future generations (ngā mokopuna). Alongside whānau, an early learning service is entrusted with nurturing te rito. Building Blocks can support early learning services to look at hauora and wellbeing through a sustainable lens, at the organisation, environment and individual level. By weaving many strands of knowledge and ideas a service can ensure it is a place that supports positive influence on achieving toi ora (optimum health). Together we will strengthen te whatu and ensure protection of te pā harakeke.