Talk and listen – me kōrero, me whakarongo, be there – me whakawātea i a koe, feel connected – me rongo i te whanaungatanga.
We all need to feel close to other people, and valued by them. So relationships and taking part in social life are essential for our mental wellbeing. For Māori, whānau are also a real source of strength. It’s about being there for others, talking and listening, and feeling connected. Building connections also means taking the time to connect with yourself – your spirituality and culture – and with the natural environment.