Kai & Kōrero: Learning over lunch
This session will focus on the restorative power of oro (sound) using the Tūī Method. Through their own voices, participants will explore how oro can help release what is no longer serving them, creating space for renewed vitality, clarity, connection and strengthened mauri.
This will be a fun, practical and engaging session with Tūī Method creator Sophronia Smith (Ngāti Kahungunu, Rangitāne). Participants will receive reflective resources and guided audio practices to support continued learning beyond the session.
The Tūī Method is an innovative Indigenous approach to restoring and strengthening mauri (vitality and life force) across individuals, teams, and organisations. Inspired by the Tūī—a kaitiaki and spiritual messenger renowned for its extraordinary gift of song—it connects people with three indigenous pillars that restore mauri:
Hā – breath
Oro – sound
Ihirangaranga – vibration
The pūrākau (story) of Hinepūtehue (guardian of the gourd) teaches us that oro (sound) has always held the power to restore, strengthen, and transform. Following the separation of Ranginui and Papatūānuku, Hinepūtehue created the first sounds from the hue, using oro to calm anger, restore balance, and create peace. Her pūrākau reminds us that sound has always been a source of connection and restoration of mauri. Whether through karakia, waiata, mōteatea, or everyday voice, oro is an essential part of Indigenous wellbeing.
Sophronia Smith
Ko Maungarake ngā pae maunga.
Ko Ruamahanga te awa.
Ko Hurunuiōrangi te marae.
Ko Ngāti Parera te hapū.
Ko Kahungunu te iwi.
Ko Takitimu te waka.
Ko Sophronia Smith tōku ingoa.
Sophronia Smith is the Pou Matua Tiaki Whānau/Practice Leader at Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Social Services, an educator, researcher, professional singer, and founder of the Tūī Method—an innovative Indigenous approach to restoring and strengthening mauri (vitality and life force) across individuals, teams, and organisations.
After experiencing mauri depletion across a 25-year career spanning social services, education, community development, and leadership, Sophronia created the Tūī Method to restore mauri and strengthen the organisations that carry our communities.
Designed specifically for NGOs, social services, iwi, health, and education, the Tūī Method supports organisations whose people care deeply for the individuals, whānau, and communities they serve while navigating complex political, cultural, and relational environments. Over time, the weight of this work can diminish mauri.
Sophronia lives in the Wairarapa with her four whāngai. She remains actively involved with her iwi and marae, Hurunuiōrangi, performs with Te Rangiura o Wairarapa, performs professionally throughout Aotearoa, teaches kapa haka at Wairarapa College, and is committed to the mauri ora of mokopuna and whānau.
