Tikanga

This involves connecting with tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and others by developing and attending to relationships in ways that generate a shared understanding of the lived experience of tamariki, rangatahi and whānau and their aspiration for oranga.

This supports us to make decisions and co-develop a plan.

• Tikanga guides and supports us to determine appropriate roles in our mahi together, such as kaumātua and iwi leaders.
• I plan how I will introduce myself and talk about the reasons I am there.
• ​I seek to understand the inherent tikanga in the whānau and how this may contribute to harm, safety and oranga.
• I practice āta and apply my knowledge of Māori values, beliefs, and processes in my mahi with tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and others.
• We create a shared tikanga for working together (tamariki, rangatahi, whānau, and others) so that we are connecting in ways that are safe for everyone, including how we will talk about sensitive matters, share differences in views, and propose alternatives.
• I model the use of tikanga with tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and others to move through difficult conversations about harm, for example, a whakatau, pōwhiri or hui process, ending with kai or whakanoa or karakia.
• I am aware that tamariki, rangatahi and whānau may not hold traditional tikanga because of legislation and historical oppression of Māori and am careful not to cause them any whakamā.
• I listen to understand, and I am not judgemental so that we can create a shared understanding of oranga.
• I understand that at times I may not be the right person to have sensitive conversations (for example sexual abuse situations), I seek support for who that may be – kaimahi tāne or wāhine.
• I test any assumptions I might have with whānau and others – I am respectful and transparent with them so that I can really hear their story​.

This involves working with tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and others in ways that minimise barriers and facilitates the participation and co-development of plans to achieve an agreed outcome.

• We build and agree on tikanga that will guide us in our planning, interactions, sharing of new information, and how to navigate challenging conversations in ways that uphold mana.
• We work with a clear end goal in mind​ to ensure sustainable change.
• I am deliberate and intentional when planning with tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and others – all issues are on the table and there are no surprises or changing of goalposts.
• I use appropriate tikanga to support oranga aspirations for whānau​.
• Our shared tikanga promotes relational, inclusive and restorative practice and participation with everyone​.
• I am thoughtful in my preparation around having difficult conversations​ and follow the tikanga we created.
• I support whānau to take the lead when we are putting our plans into action together.
• I support whānau to engage their tikanga in wider forums with others​.
• I stay true to tikanga when hard decisions need to be made, so that I continue to be relational in my mahi.
• I use tikanga to minimise barriers for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.
• I can confidently and respectfully challenge Western ways of thinking using tikanga Māori.
• Although tikanga or te ao Māori may be a natural way of working for me, I can confidently articulate what and why I have done things with tamariki, whānau, and others​.

This involves reflecting with tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and others to learn about their journey by identifying successes and challenges, solutions for maintenance and to celebrate.

• I reflect on whether I have been tika and pono when speaking with tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and others.
• Tikanga supports us to reflect on and celebrate any success, no matter how small​.
• I use tikanga when I reflect with tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and others.
• We reflect on our shared tikanga for working together and adapt where needed​.
• I demonstrate āta and take time to reflect on our journey– asking how we are working together and what we have learned from each other​.
• Although tikanga or te ao Māori maybe a natural way of working for me, I can confidently reflect on what and why I have done things with tamariki, rangatahi, whānau and others​.
• When tikanga has been broken I am able to reflect on my part in this and seek restoration with the whānau.