I present an example of the incorporation of indigenous (in this case Māori) world views, concepts and framing into eating and wellbeing guidelines. The Manaora (literally high status of health) Rangatahi (youth) Eating and Wellbeing Guidelines were co-created with Māori youth and peer-tested. They consist of 10 health eating guidelines and 10 wellbeing guidelines (physical activity, sleep, screen time, mental health) incorporating Māori concepts such as 'mauri' (life force) and turangawaewae (a place to belong and feel safe, carrying rights and responsibilities), Māori terms (eg kai, food; whanau, family) and uplifting framing, such as proclaiming Tihei Hauora, Tihei Mauri Ora (celebrating wellbeing and the life force of health) and finishing with a Whakatoki or aspirational saying. The social and environmental aspects of eating and wellbeing are prominent, and all messages are accompanied by detailed explanations and video clips featuring the youth themselves.
These co-created guidelines are far superior to the official government guidelines for youth and dissemination approaches are currently being tested. (google manaora guidelines Nourishing Hawkes Bay)
Prof. Boyd Swinburn