Our Values
Our values didn’t come from a document on a shelf – they emerged from our lived experience as a team and as a Tiriti-honouring organisation. Guided by Janelle Riki-Waaka, our staff and Board took part in a series of wānanga, reflecting on the ways we already work and the principles we want to uphold. Through open conversation, reflection, and shared learning, we developed a common language for our mahi and a renewed focus on care, respect, and walking alongside others. It’s challenging work, but it’s the right work, and it’s building a culture we are proud of.
These values are woven into everything we do, shaping how we connect, care, and walk alongside our community.
Whanaungatanga
We are a place of belonging.
Relationships are at the heart of everything we do.
We take the time to connect, listen, and build trust. Whanaungatanga means making space for genuine connection: with our team, our clients, and our wider community. Whether it’s a warm welcome, a listening ear, or providing resources without judgement, we create a sense of relationship where people feel respected, seen, and at home. From everyday visits to community celebrations, we foster belonging in every interaction.
Manaakitanga
We are caring and respectful.
We honour each person’s mana through kindness, service, and the creation of safe, welcoming spaces.
Manaakitanga is shown in how we offer support in not just what we do, but how we do it. From a listening ear to linking with wider supports, we treat every person with dignity. In our workplace and our mahi, we look after each other, empower our clients, and show up for our community. Whether through flexible working, sharing kai, or offering service, we walk with others in ways that uplift and affirm.
Whakamana
We are empowering.
We walk alongside people, seeing and growing their strengths, and honouring their journey.
Whakamana is about lifting others up. We create space for people to be heard and respected through affirming identity, recognising potential, and backing them to lead their own change. We practise humility, reflect honestly, and advocate strongly. Every interaction aims to strengthen the mana of those we support, and the partnerships we hold with others across the sector.
Tangata Whenuatanga
We honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
We honour the mana of Tangata Whenua and uphold our responsibilities as Tangata Tiriti.
Our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi shapes our practice. We partner with Ngāi Tūāhuriri, weave tikanga into daily life, and grow cultural capability across our team. We take active steps to respect and support Māori leadership, spaces, and ways of being. We are allies in action, learning and serving with care.