Understanding Hauora

Finally feel clear about Te Tiriti and health in Aotearoa 

The second book in the #1 bestselling Understanding Te Tiriti series by human rights lawyer and educator Roimata Smail.

Most of us were never taught what hauora really means or what was agreed in Te Tiriti about Māori authority over it. Understanding Hauora changes that. In just 40 pages, you’ll move from uncertain to genuinely grounded: clear on the history, the harm caused when those agreements were broken, and the hope we see when Māori lead solutions.

Like its predecessor, this book is unlike anything else on the subject. Short enough to read in an afternoon, written for adults who want the real story, and beautiful. Horopito pink-red and kōwhai yellow, with original artwork by artbyngawai and design by Sarah Healey it also incorporates the TKP design by Noelle Jakeman. This simple but powerful resource belongs on the desk or in the bag of anyone working in health in Aotearoa.

Roimata doesn’t just write about the watershed Waitangi Tribunal Hauora inquiry, she represented lead claimants in it. This is the facts, from someone who was there.

Read about how Roimata uses art and design to make complex history accessible →

Inside the book

• A clear explanation of hauora and Te Whare Tapa Whā
• The promises Te Tiriti made about Māori tino rangatiratanga in health
• The impact of land loss, poverty, and harmful laws on Māori health
• The landmark Waitangi Tribunal Hauora report
• Examples of Māori-led solutions making a difference today

About the author

Roimata Smail (Ngāti Maniapoto, Tainui) is a human rights lawyer, educator, and bestselling author. She has spent over 20 years working on te Tiriti cases — including representing lead claimants in the landmark Hauora Inquiry — and teaching te Tiriti in ways that are factual, respectful, and accessible. Learn more at TreatyTraining.com and roimatasmail.com.

Book details

40 pages — A5 (14.7 × 21.1 cm), stapled
Artwork by artbyngawai
Designed by Sarah Healey

TKP design by Noelle Jakeman, used with permission

Order your copy today.