Te Puna Manaaki

Te-puna-manaaki translates as ‘the spring of respect and fulfilment’. Or in simpler terms - ‘the foundations of consideration and appreciation’.

Manaakitanga is an extension of the word manaaki and is an important traditional principle in terms of human relationships. Mana is spiritual power which expresses self-worth, Aki is how that self-worth is extended, and Tanga is giving of yourself.

Manaakitanga is all about nurturing and looking after people - being very careful and thoughtful about how others are treated. It inspires support, generosity and caring. When we choose to bring others into our home and heart, it is always important to express manaakitanga no matter what the circumstances might be.
(Excerpt from NIU - He Tangata Matauhi, Voices of our Ancestors)