Today, we welcomed guest speaker Matua Les Hoerara from the Ngāti Pāoa Iwi Trust, who delivered a presentation on ‘He Aute’ — a project supported by the Ministry of Education. The focus of the session was on exploring meaningful ways to engage with our tamariki.
"Mana"
While the ability to self-regulate can be one aspect, mana is a much broader and deeper concept. It encompasses authority, prestige, spiritual strength, influence, and integrity. Mana reflects both inherent and earned power — it’s about the presence and impact a person carries through who they are and how they act.
Mana can be gained in several ways:
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Acquired: Through personal achievements, education, scholarships, leadership, and acts of reciprocity such as giving koha.
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Inherited: Passed down through whakapapa (genealogy), connecting individuals to their ancestral lineage.
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Through Diplomacy: Demonstrated through effective communication, collaboration, and the ability to maintain respectful relationships.
However, mana can also be diminished. It may be compromised through negative behavior, showing disrespect, or failing to meet cultural responsibilities, such as neglecting koha or time commitments. Maintaining mana requires ongoing integrity and accountability.
