Whakaaro | The 6 Realms

One of the focuses of the Aroora programmes Kāhu Kōrako and He Iti Kahikatoa is strengthening participants leadership skills. One of the inhouse tools used to do this is Whakaaro | The 6 realms (abbreviated to W6R).

Developed and launched by the Aroora team in 2024, W6R is a model inspired by Edward De Bono's 6 thinking hats, it is grounded in Mātauranga Māori, and designed to be used in a contemporary Māori space to aid in effective and collaborative decision making.

The model posits that within the hinengaro (mind) there is whakaaro (thought), within whakaaro there are 6 Aro (or realms). Each Aro is governed by a different atua (god) who has different focuses when making a decision on a specific idea.

Whilst learning simple pūrākau about each atua, participants learn which atua they associate with the most when in a decision-making process as well as how you can use other atua to ensure your thinking is well-rounded, covering as many bases as possible.

The Aroora team are currently looking at ways this model can be made more accessible to a wider audience online.

If you’re interested in learning more about this exciting new model, keep an eye for updates on our website or contact us on sci@clmnz.co.nz.