Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi. Engari, he toa takitini. Success is not the work of one, but the work of many

The strength of a pā is in the strength of the whānau, kinship, relationships and reciprocal obligations  and responsibilities that exist in te ao Māori. We all have an important role to play in the pā and we know if we can harness the love of every parent, grandparent, aunty or uncle for their tamaiti our pā will be strong. 

Whānau Tautoko is a support mechanism to assist, manaaki, to uplift the mana, and to preserve the mauri, of all our whānau. Whānau Tautoko sits succinctly within the foundation of our values, Tika, Pono, Aroha, which anchors Te Pā o Rākaihautū.  Whānau Tautoko is part of the collective and includes Te Tautarinui, kaimahi, mātua, pononga, whānau, and community, all working together. It is an organic process that ebbs and flows, providing a space for our valued mātua/whānau with innate talents, strengths, aptitudes and capabilities to make contributions of significance.

Tūmautanga (Leadership through Service)

The talent and capability within Te Pā community is inspiring. We want to tap into our collective talents, skills and creative expression! If whānau have an initiative or project that utilises their talents, expertise and resources – mīharo!

• Does the Initiative fall within the korowai of Te Pā Kaupapa/Uara?
  
• Does it alleviate pressure on Kaiārahi, rather than add to it?
  
• Does it invite and respect Mātua/Whānau participation and contribution?
• Does it build healthy whānau dynamics through whakawhanaungatanga?
  

Aroha (To be Kind and show Appreciation)

ALL whānau contribution is held with high regard and heartfelt gratitude. No matter how great or (seemingly) small, seen or unseen – Ahakoa he iti, he pounamu.

Without the awhi and tautoko of our mātua/ whānau, Te Pā could not fully carry the tohu of who we are and what (or who) we stand for.

• Respect our mātua and their various contributions.
  
• To whakaiti (belittle) is not our Te Pā style.
  
• Treat others as you would have them treat you.
  

Manaakitanga (To extend ones mana and uplift the mana of another)

Our kaiārahi are effectively developing a range of innovative ways to educate our pononga. Their passion and dedication is second-to-none. Whānau Tautoko gives potentiality to their mahi and supports the marangatanga of each and every pononga so that, regardless of economic/educational demographic or iwi affiliation, all whānau are supported and no Pononga is left behind - tiaki tātou i a tātou. He waka eke noa, we are all in this waka together without exception.

• Ask your Puna Kaiārahi/Kaihautū where they need support. ”What can I do?”
  
• Be constructive and committed.
  
• If you see a ‘gap’ – talk to the Puna Kaihautū on ways you may be able to help fill it.
  

Tika & Pono (Correct Pathways/Speak with true intention)

To protect the mana and the mauri of our pononga, whānau, kaiārahi and kaimahi, it is important we follow tika pathways for addressing any hara or concerns. There is an Official Complaints and Grievances Procedure to follow should you have concerns - see Mokihi for details .

• Whānau Tautoko (Including our FB Pages) IS NOT the place to settle a Grievance.
• Communicate Kanohi ki te Kanohi to nurture and maintain an open dialogue direct to “the source”, e.g. Puna Kaihautū, Te Rito Kaimahi.

To keep communications uncluttered:

• Maintain a Whānau Tautoko Pānui SIGNATURE so the pānui are easily recognisable.
  
• Keep Whānau Tautoko pānui central (to our generic FB pages, Email and the Mōkihi) until projects are initiated and communications can be streamlined to specific active whanau of a project/s.
• Maintain key pānui distribution people, i.e. Mokihi – Hākui Savanah.
  

Some Whānau Tautoko Initiatives /Projects (Lead contact/facilitator to date)

• Fundraising – (Whaea Bridget)
  
• Coffee Cart on Wednesdays (Whaea Bridgit/ Whaea Kiriana)
  
• Puna Waimarie breakfast Mātua help (Whaea Corri)
  
• Kapahaka Event Tautoko - Kākahu workshops, Ringawera, Drivers (Event specific)
  
• Kura Kākahu Shop – Resell, distribution, comms. (Te Rito/ Whaea Natasha/Whaea Bron/Tuahine Italy)
  
• Stationery processes and distribution (Puna Kaihautu/Te Rito)
  
• Haerenga – Kaiawhina (Puna Kaihautu)
  
• Nohoanga – Drivers, Ringawera, Kaiawhina (Puna Kaihautu)
• Kākahu Wardrobe No.1’s management for pōwhiri (Te Rito)

• Clothes Swap (Whaea Kiriana)
  
• Whare-kai backup (Whaea Bex)
  
• Kai Ora/ Hauora tautoko – vege and organic meat co-op/Te Pā made products (Whaea Bex/ Whaea Corri)
  
• Maara Tautoko (Matua Keith, Matua Jamie)
  
• Lucky Book Club (Whaea Kiriana)
  
• Te Pā period portraits (……Whaea Kiriana Winiata and her crew)
  
• Whānau Tautoko made over 1500 poi for Te Matatini (2016)