Te Ara Moana Navigation Model: A Trauma-Informed Framework Grounded in Te Ao Māori

The Te Ara Moana Navigation Model is a trauma-informed framework grounded in Te Ao Māori that uses the metaphor of ocean navigation to guide practitioners working within complex healing environments. Within the model, the practitioner is represented as the navigator (waka) moving through the moana of relational, historical, and social contexts that shape experiences of trauma and wellbeing. Rather than positioning healing as a linear process, Te Ara Moana recognises that practitioners must continually navigate changing environments with awareness, reflection, and cultural humility. Guidance within the model is provided through key guiding stars of knowledge that orient safe and responsive practice. These guiding stars include trauma awareness, historical context, relational healing, practitioner reflection, and integration. Together, these domains support practitioners to remain grounded while navigating complex relational work. The Te Ara Moana Navigation Model was developed by Demita Tukaki in 2026 as part of ongoing work exploring culturally grounded approaches to trauma-informed practice and relational healing.