A few weeks ago, Jay Geldard founder of E Tū Tāngata, came and spoke to Team Kahikatea. Our students were so moved by the messages that Jay shared regarding "Tall Poppy" Syndrome within NZ and proud that they are trailblazing the E Tū Tāngata mindset. As part of this learning the students have created written reflections. Here are a couple of powerful examples.

Mana
Acknowledge others
No one can take away my value
Anyone can uplift my value
Aroha
Know I have value
I am important

Valuable
Aroha atu
Learn from mistakes
Unite together
Even when I make mistakes I'm still valuable

by Millie

A REFLECTION

On the 23rd of February, Jay, the head of a program called E-Tū-Tangata came to our school to discuss the problem that resides within New Zealand; one of the leading factors that demote mental well-being and the reason why New Zealand’s teen suicide rates, (more prolific in males), are so high. Tall Poppy Syndrome, the most prominent type of criticism is directed towards individuals who strive to exceed, to do their best. But the social situation in NZ doesn’t allow this, and the people who exceed the commonality are eventually cut down. Social Commons in our country say that it’s not okay to try hard, to become better. According to these people, studying hard so you can get a good education gets you called a nerd (and I don’t even find this to be an insult).

I connected to this, especially when Jay talked about this because these issues aren’t in the past. We are in the now, so we need to collect as one and let others strive for the better so we can hope for a better tomorrow. 

by Tharul