NCEA Level 2 Home Economics key terms

The overall state of a person or family, covering physical, mental and emotional, social, and spiritual health. It is shaped by resources, relationships, choices, and the environment, not just the absence of illness.

A Māori view of health as four interconnected dimensions: taha tinana (physical), taha hinengaro (mental and emotional), taha whānau (social), and taha wairua (spiritual). Balance across all four supports wellbeing.

Mason Durie's model comparing health to the four walls of a house: taha tinana, taha hinengaro, taha whānau, and taha wairua. If one wall is weak, the whole house is affected.

Extended family and the wider group of people connected by kinship, marriage, or close bonds. Whānau members often share caregiving, resources, and decision-making, and strongly influence individual wellbeing.

The roles a family performs, such as providing food, shelter, safety, emotional support, and teaching values. How well these functions are met affects the wellbeing of every member.

The stages a family typically moves through, such as starting out, raising young children, launching teenagers, and later life. Needs and resources change at each stage, affecting wellbeing priorities.

Significant changes such as a birth, job loss, illness, separation, or moving house. These events can create stress but also prompt families to adapt and access new support.

The ability of an individual or family to cope with difficulties and recover from setbacks. It grows through supportive relationships, problem-solving skills, and access to resources.

The physical and emotional tension felt when demands exceed a person's or family's ability to cope. Ongoing stress can harm health, relationships, and decision-making.

Actions people use to manage stress, such as planning, talking to others, exercising, or seeking professional help. Effective strategies protect wellbeing during difficult times.

Help and encouragement received from family, friends, neighbours, and community services. It can be practical, emotional, or financial, and it buffers the effects of stress.

The sense of belonging and positive relationships a person has with others and their community. Strong connections are linked to better mental health and lower isolation.

A person's or family's social and economic position, based on income, education, and occupation. It strongly influences access to housing, healthcare, food, and opportunities.

The money a person or family receives from wages, benefits, investments, or other sources. It determines what needs and wants can be met and affects overall wellbeing.

Planning how to spend and save money over a period by comparing income with expenses. Good budgeting helps families meet needs, avoid debt, and reduce financial stress.

Needs are essentials required for survival and wellbeing, such as food and shelter. Wants are desirable extras. Telling them apart helps families prioritise spending and resources.

Deciding how to use limited resources such as time, money, energy, and skills to meet goals. Effective management reduces stress and supports family wellbeing.

Planning and organising how time is used across work, caregiving, and rest. Poor time management can cause stress, while good planning helps balance competing demands.

Managing the demands of paid work alongside family, rest, and personal time. Poor balance can increase stress and harm relationships and health.

The shelter a person or family lives in, including its quality, security, and affordability. Stable, warm, and safe housing is fundamental to physical and mental wellbeing.

Whether a household can pay for housing without compromising other essentials. When rent or mortgage costs are too high, families may cut back on food, heating, or healthcare.

Reliable access to enough safe, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food to live an active, healthy life. Food insecurity harms physical health and can cause stress and shame.

The food and drink a person consumes and how it supports health. Balanced nutrition supports growth, energy, and immunity, and is influenced by income, knowledge, and culture.

Deciding in advance what meals will be prepared, often to save money, time, and reduce food waste. It supports nutrition and effective household resource management.

Avoidable and unfair differences in health between groups, often linked to income, ethnicity, or location. Reducing inequities requires addressing social and economic causes.

The conditions and factors that influence health, including income, housing, education, social support, and physical environment. They help explain why wellbeing varies between families and communities.

How easily a person can reach and use services such as healthcare, education, transport, and social support. Barriers like cost, distance, or waiting times affect wellbeing.

Services and facilities available locally, such as libraries, food banks, health clinics, marae, and sports clubs. Access to these supports family wellbeing and connection.

The shared values, beliefs, customs, language, and practices of a group. Culture shapes food choices, family roles, and how wellbeing is understood and supported.

A person's sense of belonging to a cultural group, including language, traditions, and values. A strong cultural identity supports self-esteem and spiritual wellbeing.

The range of differences among individuals and families, including culture, ethnicity, religion, ability, and family structure. Understanding diversity helps services and support fit different needs.

Making sure all people can take part fully in family, school, work, and community life, regardless of difference. Inclusion supports belonging and equal access to resources.

A person's sense of meaning, purpose, values, and connection to something larger than themselves. It is part of hauora and contributes to emotional and mental wellbeing.

Providing physical, emotional, or practical support to a family member who needs it, such as a child, elder, or person with a disability. It can strengthen bonds but also cause strain.

How the requirements of individuals and families shift over time due to age, health, employment, or life events. Recognising changing needs helps families adjust resources and support.

Speaking up for oneself or others to access rights, services, or fair treatment. Advocacy helps families overcome barriers and have their needs heard.

The devices and digital tools used for communication, learning, work, and managing the household. Technology can improve connection and efficiency but also raises cost and screen-time concerns.

Meeting present needs without harming the ability of future generations to meet theirs. Household choices about food, energy, and waste affect long-term family and community wellbeing.