The year that's been
Hauora observations of 2025
Recently, a CEO asked me: “Tuihana, what have been your wellbeing observations this year?" It would be so easy to begin with the challenges, the hurt, the heaviness, the stress that so many of our whānau and communities have felt.
I want to begin somewhere different.
Because this year has also been a time of incredible resilience, rising above it all and continuing to rise. A year of kaha and mana. Where collaboration is increasingly chosen over competition. Where people are boldly questioning systems and practices that have long outgrown us.
On a personal note, this year has held celebrations such as:
A son walking at NZ Fashion Week and turning 21.
Another moving to Australia to explore the world.
Another contemplating studying photography.
Mahi with hāpori, creating collaborations, saying yes to courage, being bold in pursuit of purpose and mahi ngākau.
Amidst this, the kōrero of hustle and survival remains loud. From AI, ChatGPT and technology shifts coming at us from all directions, this year has often felt like a cacophony of much.
And so my hauora observations?
I hear it everywhere:
“Push through.”
“I am pushing through.”
“We just have to push through".
Layer upon layer of survival, tiredness, anxiety and stress, carried quietly, carried collectively.
Yet… also something else.
A quiet determination.
A refusal to simply survive.
A choice to thrive.
An expansion of abundant thinking.
Being the change, not waiting for the change.
Pride.
Offering kindness to ourselves.
Seeking those gentle edges,
those breaths of hā,
those moments that remind us we are alive.
There is a growing desire to understand how our seasons, influence our hauora, a deeper appreciation for Maramataka and our taiao as guides. While some doors are closing, others are opening wider.
Because joy is disruption.
Harikoa, Joy is a protest.
Harikoa, Joy pushes back against systems that benefit when we are stuck.
Harikoa, Joy is gentleness.
Harikoa, Joy is aroha.
Aroha smiles.
Aroha in laughter.
Aroha is breathing in the fresh morning air.
Aroha is the moana, swimming, wading, simply being.
Aroha in every small moment reminds us of who we are and what we carry.
Welcome harikoa, joy. Chase it. Create it. Celebrate it.
Because joy is not the absence of struggle, it is the presence of moemoeā.
Our invitation to you:
Moemoeā - A Space for Connection, Creativity and Wellbeing
Over the past months, we have been quietly working on Moemoeā. At its heart, Moemoeā nurtures connection and wellbeing. It allows honest conversations about wellbeing to unfold without judgement, while fostering belonging, creativity and collective care.
Moemoeā experiences are designed to nourish both the individual and the collective.
As we move forward, we are excited to be preparing a series of upcoming online kōrero, seasonal Kai Hākari gatherings, a second series of the podcast, and more opportunities to connect.
We would love for you to listen, participate and engage with Moemoeā as the kaupapa continues to grow.
Ngā mihi nui to the Ember Innovations team and Peti Deed for their aroha, tautoko, awhi and manaaki of Moemoeā.
Haere mai, join us in Moemoeā.
