Week 1 Term 2 - Mana

WALT: Understand what mana is and how it can help to deveop self-identity

The best way to think of mana is to think of a person who has that air of importance about them. When that person walks into a room, speaks, or starts to do “their thing”, even if you have never met the person before, you will instantly be alert to their presence. Traditionally, there are three kinds of mana:

1.     Mana whakaheke – The mana a person is born with

2.     Manu tuku – The mana that people give you

3.   Mana ā-rōpu – group mana

 Key point about mana is: We all have mana. We inherit it. We earn it. Others bestow it upon us. 

Think of someone in your whakapapa, family or local community who you admire because they have mana. Record and then discuss the following questions in a small group.

Mana whakaheke

(a)   What does this person do that causes you to admire him/her?

(b)  How do their behaviours/actions benefit others?

(c)   If you could describe this person in five words, what would they be?

(d)  Do you have any of these same qualities?