Mana Taiohi and the Code of Ethics

About Mana Taiohi

Mana Taiohi has evolved from the principles of youth development previously expressed in the Youth Development Strategy of Aotearoa (2002). It is informed by the voice of young people and people who work with young people, Aotearoa based literature into positive youth development, and a Te Ao Māori worldview.

Mana Taiohi is not a model of youth development. These principles are interconnected, holistic, and exist in relation to one another. Without any one of them the others are weak.

Principles of Mana Taiohi

Mana

Mana is the authority we inherit at birth and we accrue over our lifetime. It determines the right of a young person to have agency in their lives and the decisions that affect them. 

Mana is an overarching principle and the following eight principles are in two sequential sections recognising:

  • Firstly, the mana young people have, and

  • Secondly, how a youth development approach enhances what exists.

The Mana Young People Have

Whakapapa is the genealogies and stories of descendants and their connection to whenua (land) for all cultures. It acknowledges our shared histories and the impact of colonisation in Aotearoa.  Acknowledging the whakapapa of young people means, in their own way and in their own time, exploring how these histories influence their lives right now. Young people are supported to embrace the journey to find their turangawaewae, their place to stand. 

Mauri is the life spark inherent in all young people.  It includes their values beliefs, skills, and talents.  Fuelling that life spark means young people are seen, recognised and valued for who they are.  Young people are supported to follow their interests and passions, and to actively construct their own identity.  Linked to their whakapapa, when their mauri is secure/solid, young people stand in their own truth.

Hononga is about joining and connection.  Linked to whakapapa, it is about connection to people, land/whenua, resources, spirituality, the digital world and the environment. When we understand hononga we recognise all the connected relationships in a young person’s world (whānau, peers, school, the community), and the places and spaces that support these. Young people are supported to identify and strengthen these connections. Strengthening hononga also means recognising the connection between the wellbeing of young people and the wellbeing of their social and natural environment.