Tū tangata: Culturally encompassing physical activity and its impact on the mental well-being and academic achievement of Pacific talavou

Abstract

As part of their kaupapa of catering for the whole child, Pacific Advance Secondary School in Ōtāhuhu has implemented an innovative programme called Tū Tangata to get their talavou physically active. This has led to improvements in mental wellbeing and academic achievements. Tū Tangata is an expression well known to Māori and means “stand tall”. It is based on a philosophy that encourages young people to stand up and be counted and take responsibility for their futures.