Understanding and respecting cultural diversity is crucial for businesses in Aotearoa New Zealand. Integrating Te Ao Māori—the Māori worldview—into workplace practices fosters an inclusive and dynamic environment. At Tira, we specialise in consulting to help businesses achieve cultural competency by incorporating Māori values and practices. Here’s how your business can implement these principles.
Understanding Tikanga Māori
Tikanga Māori refers to the customs and traditional values guiding Māori behaviour. In the workplace, adhering to tikanga enhances relationships, creates a sense of belonging, and ensures Māori employees feel respected. Key aspects include:
Whanaungatanga (Relationships): Foster a sense of community by encouraging collaboration and open communication.
Manaakitanga: Create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and supported.
Kaitiakitanga (Guardianship): Implement sustainable practices and honour Māori traditions.
Leveraging Māori Expertise
Engaging with Māori experts brings invaluable insights to the workplace. At TIRA, we connect businesses with Māori experts for:
Cultural Consultation: Ensuring projects align with Māori values.
Language and Communication: Promoting the use of Te Reo Māori in workplace communications.
Cultural Competency Training: Educating staff about Māori culture, values, and protocols.
Building Cultural Competency
Cultural competency means understanding and integrating Māori culture into everyday operations. Steps to build this include:
Education and Training: Provide ongoing cultural competency training for all employees.
Policy Development: Incorporate Māori values into company policies.
Inclusive Decision-Making: Involve Māori representatives in decision-making processes.
How Tira Can Help
At Tira, we assist businesses in integrating Te Ao Māori into their practices. Our services include:
Consultation on Cultural Integration: Assessing and aligning current practices with Māori values.
Training Programmes: Educating staff on Māori culture and effective communication.
Ongoing Support: Ensuring continuous cultural competency and respect.
Integrating Te Ao Māori into workplace practices is about creating a respectful and inclusive environment. By embracing tikanga, leveraging Māori expertise, and building cultural competency, businesses can foster a workplace where everyone feels valued. At Tira, we are committed to guiding you through this transformative journey, ensuring your business meets cultural expectations and respectfully integrates Māori culture into its operations. Let’s build a future where cultural diversity is celebrated, and everyone thrives.
