Within Aotearoa-New Zealand, Māori history, culture and language have been increasingly considered in the education landscape as part of a growing cultural and holistic consciousness. What have also become growing phenomena in pursuing holism is the integration of spirituality and spiritual-based practices, that this research explores within a Māori cultural context. This research develops an educational framework (derived from traditional Māori epistemologies1 of spirituality), in order to inform educational pedagogy. In understanding spirituality in a pre-European context, the research investigates numerous Māori epistemologies, that for many tribes begins with a primary divinity known as Io. This thesis explores discussions relating to Io that includes the Whatumanawa, a cosmic sub-consciousness symbiotically linked to the taakuira [soul eternal] and wairua [spirit]. The research outlines how the inclusion of the Whatumanawa, taakuira and wairua are an integral component for the operation of a successful education pedagogy.