Nau mai hoki mai -Welcome back!
Great to have you here for this topic where we examine the principles and values of Māori and Pasifika cultures and how they align with health and wellbeing practices in Aotearoa. In this section, we will explore the key principles and values that shape Māori and Pasifika worldviews and how they align with health and wellbeing practices in Aotearoa New Zealand. By gaining insights into these cultural perspectives, you will better appreciate the ways Māori and Pasifika peoples understand wellbeing, which is essential for your role as a support worker.
First up, lets look at what we mean by principles and values.
Principles
These are the core beliefs or standards that guide actions, decisions, and interactions. They are the underlying truths that people in a culture hold to be important and the rules they set for themselves to live by.
In Māori and Pasifika cultures, principles often stem from historical, social, and spiritual frameworks that have been passed down through generations. These principles create a foundation for understanding how to approach life, including health and wellbeing.
Examples of principles include:
- Respect for others: Treating all people with dignity, regardless of background, status, or personal differences.
- Integrity: Acting in a way that is honest and adheres to a strong ethical code, even when no one is watching.
- Self-determination: Upholding the right of individuals to make decisions for themselves about their life and health.
- Collective responsibility: Recognising that one's actions contribute to the wellbeing of the whole community.
- Reciprocity: The belief in mutual giving and receiving, where help and support are shared within relationships.
Values
These are the moral standards or qualities that individuals and communities strive to uphold. They reflect what a culture considers important or desirable and often influence behaviour, attitudes, and life choices. Values are closely connected to principles, as they translate these core beliefs into everyday actions and ways of thinking.
Examples of values include:
- Honesty: Valuing truthfulness in all communications and interactions.
- Empathy: Striving to understand and share the feelings of others, promoting compassion in support work.
- Kindness: Prioritising acts of care and consideration towards others in both personal and professional settings.
- Family (whānau) connections: Valuing strong ties to family and community as essential aspects of life and decision-making.
- Humility: Recognising the importance of being modest, open to learning, and willing to put the needs of others before one's own ego.
Reflection
Take a moment to think about your own principles and values. These will not only guide your approach to daily life but also influence how you carry out your role as a support worker.
Questions to Identify Your Principles:
- What are the main beliefs that help you make decisions in your personal life and at work? Example: You might believe in being fair to everyone, which helps you decide how to treat your friends or tāngata whaiora equally.
- What are the rules you always follow, no matter the situation? Example: You may never lie, even if it’s easier, because being honest is one of your key principles.
- How do you show honesty or fairness when you talk to others? Example: You might try to be clear and truthful when communicating, even if it’s difficult.
- What does respecting others mean to you? Example: Respect might mean listening carefully to someone’s opinion or being kind even if you don’t agree with them.
Reflection Questions to Identify Your Values:
- What qualities do you admire most in other people, and why? Example: You might admire people who are kind or honest because these are qualities you value in your own life.
- What behaviours do you think are most important when you work with tāngata whaiora or colleagues? Example: You may prioritise being caring or helpful because you value kindness and teamwork.
- What personal values inspire you to help others in your job as a support worker? Example: If you value compassion, it may motivate you to listen carefully and support clients with empathy.
- How important is family (whānau) or community in the decisions you make? Example: If you place a high value on family, you may involve them when supporting clients or consider their views in your approach to care.
Now that you have considered your own principles and values, lets move on to exploring those of Māori and Pasifika cultures.
In this section we investigate some of the key principles and values of the Māori and Pasifika cultures.
Principles and Values of Māori Culture
Māori culture is rich and diverse, encompassing a wide range of principles and values that guide the beliefs, actions, relationships, and daily life of Māori people. These principles and also shape approaches to health and wellbeing, reflecting a holistic understanding of what it means to be well in the Māori worldview. Understanding these Māori cultural principles and values and how they can be applied in the health and wellbeing setting will help support workers to provide effective, respectful and appropriate care and support for tāngata whaiora and their whānau
As we explore these principles and values, it is important to note that not all Māori individuals may hold these principles and values in the same way, as cultural practices and interpretations can vary widely between iwi (tribes), hapū (sub-tribes), and individuals.
Below is an overview of some key principles and values. Before you click on the expand icon, take a moment to reflect on each principle and value in the list. Consider what they mean and how you can incorporate them into your support work practice. Write down your thoughts as you go. After revealing the information, feel free to add to these notes based on what you learn. Then save these notes for future use.
- Kaitiakitanga refers to the responsibility to care for and protect the environment, natural resources, and all living beings. It embodies a holistic view of wellbeing, linking physical health to environmental health.
- Support workers can apply kaitiakitanga by promoting sustainable practices within their services, respecting the natural environment, and encouraging clients to connect with nature as part of their healing process.
- Kaumātuatanga signifies the respect for elders and their role as leaders and teachers within the community. Elders hold wisdom and experience that is essential in passing on culture and supporting community health
- Support workers can engage with kaumātua (elders) to gain insights into culturally appropriate practices and seek their guidance when working with Māori, fostering a collaborative approach to care. It is also important for support workers to recognise the role of kaumātua within the families of tāngata whaiora they support. Building respectful relationships with these elders not only acknowledges their place within a family but also enhances the support provided to individuals, as their knowledge and perspectives can significantly impact the wellbeing of those being cared for.
- Mana is a central concept in Māori culture, representing authority, power, and respect. It is derived from one’s whakapapa (ancestry), personal achievements, and the way they live their life. Mana influences how individuals are viewed within their community and is a marker of their standing and authority.
- Whakarite Mana refers to the practice of maintaining, upholding, or restoring mana, especially in situations where it might be challenged or diminished. It emphasizes actions that respect and restore dignity, balance power dynamics, and ensure that the mana of individuals and groups is protected.
- A support worker can uphold the mana of tāngata whaiora by respecting their dignity, personal choices, and cultural identity. This includes ensuring that your actions contribute to whakarite mana—honouring and restoring mana when necessary, particularly when working through conflicts or misunderstandings in care. This approach helps empower clients in their health and wellbeing journey by fostering mutual respect and maintaining their sense of authority over their own lives.
- Manaakitanga emphasises the importance of hospitality, kindness, and caring for others. It is about creating a supportive and nurturing environment.
- Support workers can practice manaakitanga by greeting and creating welcoming spaces for tāngata whaiora, providing emotional support, actively listening to their needs, showing respect.
- Whanaungatanga refers to the importance of relationships and connections between people, emphasizing collective wellbeing and support.
- Support workers can apply whanaungatanga by taking the time to get to know, build connections and strong relationships with clients, their families, and the wider community, promoting a network of support that enhances wellbeing.
- Mauri refers to the life force or essence present in all living things. Mauri ora signifies the state of health and well-being that one aspires to achieve. It is when the life force is balanced and the person is in a positive state of wellbeing
- Support workers can support clients in achieving mauri ora by incorporating holistic practices that address physical, emotional, and spiritual health, promoting balance and wellbeing.
- Wairuatanga encompasses the spiritual dimensions of life, recognising the interconnectedness of the physical, emotional, and spiritual realms.
- Support workers can integrate spiritual practices into care when appropriate, acknowledging the role of spirituality in a client's wellbeing and respecting their beliefs. They can provide opportunities for people to practise their beliefs and values and ensure their spiritual beliefs and practices are included in their personal plans.
- Rangatiratanga represents the right to self-determination and autonomy. It reflects the ability of Māori to make decisions about their lives and wellbeing.
- Support workers can promote the self-determination of tāngata whaiora and their whānau by supporting them to express their preferences and make informed choices about their care. This includes respecting their right to make decisions that reflect their cultural identity and personal values. They can facilitate independence by offering holistic support that addresses the individual’s social, spiritual, emotional, and physical needs.
Principles and Values of Pasifika Culture
People who belong to the Pasifika community come from a diverse range of islands and regions across the Pacific Ocean, each with its own unique culture, values and beliefs. This community includes those who were born in the Pacific Islands and have emigrated to New Zealand, as well as people who were born in New Zealand and who identify as Pasifika people.
There are some values that are found across Pacific cultures, which may be considered common values, though they may have subtle differences between cultures. These values guide relationships and actions, especially in the context of health and wellbeing.
Before expanding the content to explore these common values, we once again suggest you take a moment to reflect on what each value might mean to you and how it could be applied to your support work. Jot down your initial thoughts and save them—this way, you can return to your notes and add more insights as you learn. Building your own resource will be valuable for your growth, and your future self will appreciate the effort!
- In Pasifika cultures, family is central to identity, belonging, and support. It extends beyond the nuclear family to include extended relatives and community, forming the foundation of social relationships.
- Support workers apply this value by actively involving the whole family in care planning, respecting the central role family plays in decision-making and support. This might include ensuring that key family members are part of meetings or care discussions, recognising their importance in the persons wellbeing and healing process. Being aware that some people may feel more comfortable if another family member speaks on their behalf.
- Collectivism emphasises the importance of the group over the individual. In Pasifika cultures, decisions and actions often prioritise the wellbeing of the collective, such as the family or community, over personal desires. It includes teamwork, consultation, and co-operation with all members, working together to achieve agreed on common goals.
- Support words support collectivism by encouraging family or community involvement in the care process and being sensitive to the communal nature of decision-making and the time it may take for this to occur. Facilitating group discussions and acknowledging the value of community input in treatment plans can enhance the quality of care.
- Reciprocity refers to mutual giving and receiving, where relationships are based on respect, care, and mutual support. It’s about maintaining balance in relationships through exchanges of love, support, and kindness. Mutual help and interdependence are viewed as more effective than individualism.
- Support workers can demonstrate reciprocity by showing genuine care, respect, and appreciation for the person and their family’s contributions. Building trust through consistent, respectful interactions.
- Spirituality is deeply woven into Pasifika cultures and can encompass a connection to ancestors, nature, and a higher power. Faith and spiritual beliefs are central to many Pasifika peoples' lives.
- Support workers should recognise and respect the spiritual beliefs of the people they support, allowing space for spiritual practices in health and wellbeing plans. This might involve acknowledging prayer, incorporating spiritual leaders, or creating time for religious observances. Understanding the role of spirituality in healing and wellbeing is crucial.
Love is a fundamental value in many Pasifika cultures, often expressed through care, compassion, and generosity. It extends beyond romantic relationships and is reflected in deep connections with family, community, and spiritual beliefs. To love is to be responsible and have a duty of care for self and for all.
For support workers, showing love in a professional setting involves demonstrating genuine care and empathy toward those they support, creating a warm, safe environment where people feel valued, respected, and supported, Listening actively and being present and expressing kindness.
Pasifika peoples learn from an early age to show respect when relating to one another. This is an expected behaviour, including respect towards elders, parents, women, children, and people in positions of authority. Respect includes keeping face, acknowledging someone’s status, observing proper etiquette and manners, and humility, often expressed through actions such as speaking politely and following customs.
Support workers can apply this value to their work by communicating respectfully, being mindful of tone, language, and cultural practice. Also by recognising that Pasifika people may have strong connections to their traditions and that these should be respected. As well as showing respect for the family relationships, ensuring that decisions made in care settings honour the preferences of the family, particularly those with traditional roles in the family structure.
How did you go with creating your own notes from your reading? You have likely gathered valuable insights to enhance your understanding, well done.
End of Topic
That brings us to the end of another topic. In this section we have discussed key principles and values from both Māori and Pasifika cultures, along with ways to incorporate them into your support work. By recognising and applying these cultural principles in your practice, you can provide care that is not only effective but also culturally safe and respectful. Integrating these cultural values into your practice is a continuous journey so - Haere tonu ki te mahi pai!-keep up the good work!
In our next topic, we’ll explore cultural safety, building on the principles and values you've already learned. This will give you greater confidence in your support work, ensuring that you're respecting and acknowledging the unique identities and needs of those you support. Together, we’ll strengthen your skills for even more effective and culturally safe care.
