Our Values
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.