Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, he toa takitini

Our strength is not as individuals, but as a collective

Overview

As Tangata whenua and Tangata Tiriti, how do we intentionally grow our relationship as intended in Te Tiriti o Waitangi?

The Te Tiriti Incubator aims to facilitate a learning journey in which Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti come together to develop a deeper understanding of building and sustaining mutually respectful Tiriti-based relationships. By engaging both groups, the programme creates an opportunity for exploring our own identities and deeply held beliefs, engaging in brave and meaningful dialogue, and activating system change that respects and honours the articles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We will facilitate a safe and brave space for these conversations to be constructive and empowering for all using tikanga frameworks.

Participants

• Experienced and emerging leaders in communities, local and central government, business, education, social services, not-for-profits, etc.
• A total of 30-40 leaders of which 50% Tangata Whenua and 50% Tangata Tiriti

Kōrero topics

Throughout the programme, Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti will meet at times as separate caucus groups and at other times with both groups together.  The separate cohorts of Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti aim to strengthen our understanding of who we are and what we bring, then coming together to grow our Tiriti-based relationships that supports mana ōrite, tino rangatiratanga and honourable kawanatanga. Topics that will be discussed will explore deeply held beliefs and assumptions that inform behaviours and decisions. Together, we will consider the power dynamics that create barriers within systems and, through this, develop tools and skills to create policies and practices that will support us in actively moving towards a Te Tiriti-based future.

Possible topics for Tangata Whenua caucus

• Discuss and examine the complexities faced by Tangata Whenua
• Nō hea, ko wai, building on our identity and embracing the uniqueness of being Māori/Iwi/Hapū/wāhine/Tāne/etc, 
• Utilising tikanga practices to support the Tiriti relationships
• Exploring growth strategies to reindigenise and decolonize our own thought processes 
• Addressing cultural taxation and cultural fatigue.
• Acknowledging the effects of cultural trauma individually and collectively
• Explore matauranga Māori to contribute towards our learning and growth. 
• Reaffirming Rangatiratanga in our spaces and places 
• How we navigate our relationships with Tangata Tiriti.

Possible topics for Tangata Tiriti caucus

• Learning and filling in the many gaps in our understanding of Aotearoa and our identity as a settler population
• Connecting with our individual and collective whakapapa
• Understanding constructs of racism and white supremacy as they are present in us and our daily lives and developing practices to challenge and dismantle this when we see it. 
• Unpacking our values and unlearning and relearning how we show up open to new approaches and ways of seeing
• Building confidence in our practice of being in relationship with Tangata Whenua
• Exploring how we can move towards the aspirational idea of being Tangata Tiriti and actively lead towards a Tiriti-based future

Logistics

• This is a 12-month journey consisting of a series of four wānanga held at various marae and whare, including Ōnuku, Rāpaki, and Te Iho o te Ora.
• Two of the wānanga are noho (overnight gatherings), allowing for deeper connection and learning.
• The programme includes Action Learning Groups (comprising groups of eight people each meeting five times) and Clifton Strengths coaching for each leader to explore personal strengths and collective growth.

Cost

• We are well into the detailed design process, including dates, venues, content and the pricing structure (likely an organisational rate and an individual rate).
• Scholarships may be available on request

We are planning to open for applications at the beginning of March, and we will share a detailed pānui with those who have expressed interest at that time.

If you are interested in expressing your interest for the Te Tiriti Incubator please contact us now