Manaakitanga, tika, tapu and pono

Te Pūnaha Matatini is a New Zealand Centre of Research Excellence. The values of manaakitanga, tika, tapu and pono are central to the way that we do our mahi. Pono is an essential foundation concept which encompasses both truth and genuineness, and which provides the deeper ethics from which tika, doing the right thing, operates. Tapu here refers to ethical behaviour that acknowledges the intrinsic value of each and every person and thing, and behaving according to this principle. Manaakitanga describes not only the way that we care for others, but also demands recognition of mana, of status, and the attendant obligation to return mana in relationships. That is, reciprocity is key.

What we do

  • We celebrate the distinct status of Māori as tangata whenua.
  • We build creative, kind, diverse and excellent research teams within a tuakana-teina (peer coaching) model of leadership that establishes collaboration and respectful interaction as the ethical basis for research.
  • We have explicitly constructed an inclusive space within which research activities are devised and developed in the context of our shared values – creativity, manaaki and ethical engaged research.
  • We aim to be inclusive and respectful of difference, valuing the diverse peoples of our varied communities.
  • We support access and inclusion through practices and processes that encourage balance, flexible working and wellbeing.
  • We are committed to safety, supporting our people, promoting inclusion, and preventing bullying and discrimination.

As a New Zealand Centre of Research Excellence comprised of members from diverse backgrounds, organisations, and lived experiences, we are committed to the open exchange of ideas, freedom of thought and expression, and respectful debate. These require a community and an environment that fosters inclusion, dignity, understanding and mutual respect, and embraces diversity.

Our development of an inclusive and equitable approach to building best teams has fostered a gender-balanced and ethnically diverse community of investigators: 50% women, 16% Māori, 9% Asian, and 2.6% Pasifika. Our research capability spans all career stages, and we have built mentoring and advisory roles into projects to support growth into research leadership.

Te Pūnaha Matatini has a sponsorship policy for all hosted and sponsored events, and a Code of Conduct for all members of the Te Pūnaha Matatini Community. All Te Pūnaha Matatini investigators and members of the Te Pūnaha Matatini Whānau are expected to be cognisant of the policy and Code, and to implement them.

Supporting the distinctive contribution of Māori to Aotearoa New Zealand
We provide funded opportunities for Māori undergraduate and postgraduate students to work on research projects and develop skills in network science, computational approaches to data, and other skills.

Promoting diversity in science and academia
We have taken a national leadership role in promoting diversity, equity, access and inclusion in science and academia.

Our Code of Conduct and Sponsorship Policy have been shared widely and adapted for use by a number of national and international research organisations and professional bodies, including the Royal Society Te Apārangi.

We are committed to education and resourcing to support best practice research excellence.

Workplace wellness
We demonstrate our commitment to workplace wellness through flexible working, containing meetings within school hours, and supporting caregiver attendance at our hui and other events.