Neurodiversity is too often framed as deficit, focused on what someone lacks rather than their strengths. But within te ao Māori, a growing movement is reclaiming takiwātanga (Autism), aroreretini (ADHD), and other neurodiverse traits as taonga, unique ways of being that carry mana and value.
We spoke with Jessica Hita (Ngāti Ueoneone, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Tara, Ngāti Kahu) from Kanorau, a kaupapa-driven pakihi dedicated to empowering whānau to confidently navigate life with takiwātanga. Jess highlights how kupu Māori like takiwātanga and aroreretini move us away from clinical “disorder” labels and toward a worldview that honours whakapapa, wairua, and whānau.
She reminds us that our tūpuna never viewed neurodiversity through a deficit lens, this perspective was introduced through outside systems. Instead, te ao Māori focuses on strengths, mana, and unique contributions.
This kōrero explores how reo, tikanga, and perspective can shape the way neurodiverse tamariki and adults see themselves. Not as broken, but as whole and extraordinary.
