Hira's Story

Hira Nathan is uri of Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngati Tuwharetoa and Ngā Puhi.

Raised under the korowai aroha of Kahuranaki maunga in the Hawkes Bay. His life is grounded in kaupapa Māori approaches to wellbeing, creativity, and everyday resilience.

An author, and facilitator, Hira’s work sits at the intersection of mātauranga Māori, mindfulness, and lived experience.


He is the author of the bestselling books Whakawhetai, Piki Te Ora and Māori Ora, and the founder of The Mindful Māori, a platform spanning writing, speaking, retreats and community-focused wellbeing kaupapa.

His work is rooted in accessibility bringing reflection, gratitude, and intention out of theory and into ordinary, working lives.

What is The Mindful Māori?

Mindful Māori is a space for reflection, learning and intentional living grounded in te ao Māori. Through writing, journals, whakataukī and retreats, the kaupapa encourages people to slow down, reflect on their lives and reconnect with what matters.

Drawing on mātauranga Māori and everyday experience, Mindful Māori offers tools and spaces that support wellbeing, gratitude and thoughtful living.

The Kaupapa

  • Te Taurite. Balance.

    Creating space to reset, restore, and realign.

    True strength isn’t always pushing harder. It’s knowing when to pause.
    Balance allows us to look after tinana, hinengaro, wairua, and whānau—so we can show up fully in every part of life.

  • Te Hononga. Connection

    Strengthening relationships with people, place, and self.

    Whanaungatanga reminds us we’re not meant to do life alone.
    Through connection, we find support, belonging, and a deeper sense of purpose.

  • Matauranga. Knowledge.

    Learning, understanding, and applying wisdom.

    Knowledge is more than information it’s lived experience.
    Drawing from mātauranga Māori gives us tools to navigate life with clarity, intention, and depth.

The Mahi

The Mindful Māori kaupapa is a platform spanning writing, speaking, retreats and community-focused wellbeing kaupapa.

The mahi is rooted in accessibility, bringing reflection, gratitude, and intention out of theory and into ordinary lives.

This includes books, journals, community focused wellbeing kaupapa and affirmation cards that encourage daily moments of gratitude and awareness, as well as retreats that create space for kōrero, journaling and connection.

Together these offerings provide practical ways to slow down, reflect and reconnect with what matters.