E Tū Tāngata is a New Zealand based initiative that was created to tackle Tall Poppy Syndrome. Tall Poppy Syndrome refers to putting others down if they rise above the crowd. This stops us standing up and being proud of our own achievements as well as the achievements of others. E Tū Tāngata is not a programme to be taught, but instead is a mindset, a way of thinking, which sits alongside our school values of Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Initiative and Independence and Kindness.

E Tū Tāngata is made up of three core values. You Have Value, We Succeed Together and Others Matter. It empowers us to stand together to support one another to recognise our value and create a positive environment.

You Have Value reminds us that everyone is special in their own way and has value. You may make some bad choices and have a bad day, however your value does not lessen. We may be better, or not as good, at some tasks than others, however this does not increase or decrease our value. When we are assured of our own value, we are less threatened by the success of others.

We Succeed Together reminds us that we can achieve more when we are part of a team. When one of the team rises, we all rise with them.

Others Matter reminds us that everyone has value, no matter what has happened previously. Complimenting others helps us to feel good about ourselves.

E Tū Tāngata values are promoted within the classes in many different ways such as, art, music, language, super kids, positive notes, #htgs (hunt the good stuff) and recognising our own special qualities and value. Friday buddy time is showing that others matter and that we succeed together.

Children are encouraged to stand up to put downs by saying E Tū Tāngata, I have value, or E Tū Tāngata, they have value if the put down has been said to others. If this has been said to them, children are encouraged to take this as a reminder, and think about what they have said and how this might have made others feel.

“It’s made a difference in our school because people are not saying mean things to each other anymore.” (Alex)

“E Tū Tāngata has made a difference in how people are talking to each other. They are starting to use better language when talking to each other.” (Adilyn)

“It’s really easy to say E Tū Tāngata to someone when they are being mean. It’s a reminder that we don’t use put downs anymore.” (Louis)

Ways you can support this initiative at home include:

• Remind your children often that they have value, discuss the things that they do that show value.

• Celebrate the successes of others.

• Give compliments often and discuss how this makes us feel good inside.

• At sporting events discuss how the team worked together to succeed.

• If you hear a put down, remind children that these are not okay by saying “E Tū tāngata”

If you would like to know more about the E Tū Tāngata initiative, you can visit their website https://www.etutangata.nz/ Please feel free to come in and see me, or email kroeningj@harewood.school.nz for more information.