Oro: Restoring & Strengthening Mauri
In this session, Sophronia Smith (Ngāti Kahungunu, Rangitāne) shared her Tūī Method which uses the restorative power of oro (sound) to help participants release what is no longer serving them and create space for renewed vitality, clarity, connection and strengthened mauri.
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.
Find the resource materials from the session below. The session recording begins from slide 8 in the presentation slideshow, with Sophronia's kōrero describing oro.