A clear, factual guide to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and health in Aotearoa

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

This short, accessible guide explains what hauora really means — not just healthcare, but the wellbeing of body, mind, spirit, and whānau, grounded in the whenua — and how Te Tiriti o Waitangi guaranteed Māori authority over it.

It covers the history, the harm caused when those promises were broken, and the hope we see when Māori lead solutions to improve health outcomes for everyone.

Whether you’re a student, educator, health professional, policymaker, or simply want to understand the facts, Understanding Hauora gives you a confident grounding in Te Tiriti and health equity — without jargon or judgement.

✅ Trusted resource for schools, universities, workplaces, and health organisations
✅ Suitable for adults and younger readers alike
✅ Essential reading for anyone working in or learning about health in Aotearoa

What’s inside

A clear explanation of hauora and Te Whare Tapa Whā