James Uri-Puati, Debi Futter-Puati
Abstract
Pitoꞌenua is a conceptual framework for understanding health and wellbeing in the Cook Islands. This paper discusses its genesis, including an extensive consultation process. Pitoꞌenua as a model, continues to be utilised two decades after it was first developed, showing its versatility and ongoing relevance. We discuss how and why the concept of pitoꞌenua came about during a project to develop a culturally appropriate philosophy on which to establish a national education curriculum in the Cook Islands. Nationwide consultation was used to understand Cook Islands indigenous views related to health and wellbeing and to develop a Cook Islands model for health and wellbeing. ‘Pito’enua’, a term articulated in a proverb from a traditional orator, became the conceptual foundation for the curriculum and ensured that the new curriculum was suitable for the context. The process facilitated a pathway to synthesise diverse understandings of health and wellbeing held by Cook Islanders.
