Integrating Te Whare o Oro and Situational Analysis within the He Pikorua Framework
Te Whare o Oro, Situational Analysis, and He Pikorua each offer unique but complementary
approaches to understanding and addressing neurodevelopmental needs, trauma, and
educational support. By integrating these frameworks, a comprehensive, strengths-based,
and culturally affirming model can be developed to guide professionals working with tamariki,
whānau, and educators.
1. Aligning Theoretical Foundations

Te Whare o Oro is a mātauranga Māori framework that uses the metaphor of the
whare tūpuna to conceptualize brain development and neurodiversity. It incorporates
the Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics and Polyvagal Theory, mapping brain
structures onto traditional Māori concepts.

Situational Analysis is an ecological and appreciative inquiry framework that
helps professionals collaboratively analyze complex situations, co-construct
meaning, and implement evidence-based interventions.

He Pikorua is an inclusive and flexible inquiry framework guiding educational and
developmental psychology practice. It emphasizes strengths-based, ecological, and
culturally responsive practices.
All three frameworks emphasize:

Holistic, ecological approaches to understanding development.

Strengths-based inquiry that builds upon existing supports.

Collaborative and culturally responsive engagement with whānau, educators,
and communities.

Ongoing reflection and adaptation to ensure meaningful change.
2. Integrating Situational Analysis and Te Whare o Oro within He Pikorua
The structured approach of Situational Analysis can be used alongside Te Whare o Oro’s
Māori-informed neurodevelopmental model, underpinned by the continuous improvement
cycle of He Pikorua.
He Pikorua Phase
Situational Analysis
Alignment
Te Whare o Oro Alignment
Kohikohi (Gather
information)
Data collection from
multiple perspectives,
identifying strengths and
barriers in learning/wellbeing.
Assessment of pou (brain regions),
neural pathways (heke), and
structural supports in whānau and
learning environments.
Āta whakaaro
(Sense-making)
Thematic analysis of data,
developing shared
understanding of
challenges and
opportunities.
Identifying pou (core
neurodevelopmental structures)
requiring strengthening, using Māori
metaphors to frame discussions.
Tātai (Plan
collaboratively)
Developing principles for
action, co-constructing
plans based on ecological
and appreciative inquiry.
Using the whare tūpuna model to
map intervention strategies that
strengthen resilience and balance
across Te Whare Tapa Whā.
Whakamahi (Take
action with
integrity)
Implementing new
strategies and tracking
changes collaboratively.
Applying kanorau ā-roro
(neurodiversity) approaches rooted in
Māori healing, sensory regulation,
and learning strategies.
Whai whakaaro
(Reflect together)
Evaluating effectiveness,
adapting approaches as
needed.
Assessing whether pou have been
strengthened and if tamariki are
thriving across taha wairua, tinana,
whānau, and hinengaro.
3. Practical Applications: Supporting Tamariki and Whānau
A. Neurodevelopmental Assessments

Te Whare o Oro provides a culturally grounded developmental lens.

Situational Analysis structures the assessment and planning process.

He Pikorua ensures continuous reflection and adaptation.
Example: For a child with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Te Whare o Oro’s
framework can be used to map cognitive and emotional strengths and challenges using
Māori metaphors, while Situational Analysis ensures collaborative problem-solving with
educators, health professionals, and whānau. He Pikorua guides iterative learning and
support adjustments.
B. Trauma-Informed Approaches in Schools

Te Whare o Oro: Identifies brainstem-dominant (fight/flight/freeze) responses using
the pou tuarongo concept.

Situational Analysis: Structures multi-disciplinary response planning.

He Pikorua: Embeds collaborative support plans within school routines.
Example: A tamaiti experiencing dysregulation can be supported through pūrākau
(storytelling) and waiata (rhythmic regulation) to engage the limbic system (pou
tokomanawa), while Situational Analysis helps refine classroom adaptations.
C. Strengthening Whānau Engagement

Te Whare o Oro: Frames interventions through whakapapa and whānau-centered
care.

Situational Analysis: Ensures whānau voice is central.

He Pikorua: Maintains open dialogue and continuous learning.
Example: A whānau struggling with engagement in their child’s Individualized Education
Plan (IEP) can use Te Whare o Oro to map cultural narratives of strength, with Situational
Analysis guiding inclusive decision-making and He Pikorua ensuring ongoing, manaenhancing collaboration.
4. A Unified, Holistic Approach
By working together, Te Whare o Oro and Situational Analysis can provide a culturally
responsive, structured approach to supporting tamariki and whānau, while He Pikorua
ensures continuous improvement and adaptive learning. This integrated model:

Honors mātauranga Māori while incorporating contemporary psychological
frameworks.

Strengthens evidence-based, strengths-focused inquiry through collaborative
action.

Ensures practical, flexible, and sustainable support for tamariki, whānau, and
educators.