Hauora is a Māori concept of health unique to Aotearoa, which recognises that physical,mental, spiritual and social dimensions are all interconnected and part of our overall well-being. This is commonly represented by Sir Mason Durie’s Te Whare Tapa Whā model, which likens each dimension to the four walls of a whare (house). Each dimension is essential — if one wall is weakened, the entire structure is affected.
Drawing on this holistic view of wellbeing, this year we have launched a new initiative, the Hauora Music Ensemble, which aims to share the power of music with people who face physical or mental health challenges. A string quartet of the orchestra’s musicians will visit partner organisations who focus on supporting people living with chronic health conditions. The musicians will play familiar works to small groups before encouraging their participation in music-making workshops.
“We want attendees to be immersed in music-making, then take that shared experience away with them,” explains Claudia Ruff, Auckland Phil’s Learn & Participate Community Projects Executive.
Attendee participation is encouraged — but not compulsory — be it through singing or playing along. A recent workshop with Peke Waihanga Artificial Limb Service included percussion.
“It’s about exposing people to making music individually and in a group,” Claudia says. “Some might just think it’s fun and interesting, others might discover something they didn’t realise they could do. One person said they used to play French horn and never thought they’d be able to make music again.”
