TE PUĀWAI TAPU - OUR NAME

Te Puāwai Tapu was named by one of the founding members, Waireti Walters, in 1990, the inaugural year of the organisation.

The literal translation of Te Puāwai Tapu is ‘the sacred blossom.’

From this we take two meanings that can be applied to the work we do.  In 1990, Māori providers were a relatively new phenomenon.  The name Te Puāwai Tapu was given to the organisation at its inception to signify the beginning of the growth and development (the ‘sacred blossoming’) of a ‘by Māori, for Māori’ organisation. The name Te Puāwai Tapu therefore encompasses the commitment of the inaugural Executive Committee and now too, the staff, to work towards tino rangatiratanga (self-determination for Māori) and to develop and deliver sexual and reproductive health prevention services, including health promotion and education, for Māori youth, families and communities.

The concept of ‘the sacred blossom’ was also given to signify that fundamental to each person’s sexual and reproductive health, is their sexuality. The name Te Puāwai Tapu encompasses the commitment to a positive view of sexuality, and an acknowledgement that each person’s sexuality is an intrinsic part of their existence. The ‘sacred blossoming’ of an individual’s sexuality occurs throughout their life span, from birth to death.

The name Te Puāwai Tapu remains as relevant for this organisation today as it was in 1990.  Te Puāwai Tapu is still a relatively young and evolving organisation, but the commitment to tino rangatiratanga, and to improving the sexual and reproductive health of Māori, is as strong as it was when the organisation was named.

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