Herstory | Ko Wai Au

Ko Wai Au

Ko Ariana Mataki-Wilson ahau.

I am a Mauri Ora Trained Counsellor and Kaupapa Māori Practitioner based in Ōtautahi. My practice is shaped by 27 years of professional experience, ongoing learning, personal growth and lived experience.

I describe myself as a life thriver — someone who continues to learn, grow and transform through my own journey of reconnection, healing and understanding.

The Story Behind Indigenius Wheke

Indigenius Wheke was born from my own journey of reconnecting with who I am, where I come from, who I come from, and the many dimensions that contribute to wellbeing.

Inspired by Te Wheke, the holistic wellbeing model developed by Dr Dame Rose Pere, I recognise that we are interconnected beings. Our wellbeing is shaped by our wairua, tinana, hinengaro, relationships, identity, whakapapa and connection to the world around us.

The wheke within my logo carries my moko kauae, representing identity, whakapapa, responsibility and the lived journey behind this kaupapa.

From Kahupō to Mauri Ora

My journey has taught me that healing is not linear. Like the ocean tides, life moves through changing seasons - times of challenge, growth, reflection and renewal.

Kahupō may be part of our journey, but it is not where we are meant to remain. Through reconnection, self-understanding and nurturing all parts of ourselves, we can continue moving towards mauri ora.

My role is not to walk the journey for others, but to walk alongside tangata whai ora as they reconnect with their own strengths, stories and pathways forward.