Manaakitanga

The process of extending aroha, kindness, generosity, support or showing respect

Manaakitanga loosely translates to the concept of hospitality. In Māori society, looking after visitors and treating others well is of great importance. Manaakitanga is also about fostering mana (prestige and spiritual power) and showing aroha (love and compassion) to other people, making this one of the most important concepts in Māori culture.

You can express manaakitanga by helping a friend or loved one. You can even help someone you've just met. Manaakitanga displays the unity of our whānau (families) and communities.

The word manaakitanga is broken up into two words:

• Mana - to show strength, pride, honour and spiritual power

• Aki - a literal word for supporting, motivating or taking care of someone

Manaaki is the verb from which comes the word manaakitanga. When you cherish, conserve or support someone, this is manaaki. The more you manaaki someone, the more you build both of your mana.

It is found in acts such as helping a loved one, encouraging one another or even supporting a complete stranger. Manaakitanga is one of the most important concepts to Māori people as it secures the strength of our whānau (families) and communities.

Showing manaakitanga at home, in school and in the community

• Greet and speak to others in a kind and respectful way.

• Giving up your seat for others.

• Treat others as you would like them to treat you.

• Share resources with others, i.e. food, shelter or knowledge.

• Respect elders for the life experience and knowledge these people have gained.

• Accept oneself regardless of what others think.

• Open a door for someone.

• Respect other people’s belongings.

• Let others speak and actively listen to them. Respect others opinions.

• Place rubbish and recycling in bins. 

• Do not tear up plants or mistreat nature. Do not waste water, harm animals or insects.

• Understand and respect each other within your family by following a set of rules of coexistence.

• Value and appreciate the symbols of our nation i.e. sing the national anthem with pride.

Showing manaakitanga during our pool lessons

• Know when your pool lessons are and be organised for each pool lesson by bringing and wearing recognised swimwear. No underwear is allowed. Rash vests or special aquatic garments are preferred over T-shirts.

• Keep the noise down in the changing room to respect those sharing the space in and around the room.

• Use the toilets at the changing rooms, do not go in the pool.

• Shower before entering the pool, the pool is not your bathtub.

• If using the public changing room, please bring your bags out with you and place them tidily where directed by your teacher. If using the school changing room, please ensure the door to the gym foyer remains closed and locked.

• Always follow the instructions of the lifeguard. They are the most qualified person to make decisions in the pool environment.

• Walk around the pool, no running.

• Use the ladders provided or a seated entry to enter the lane pool. No bombing and do not dive in at the shallow end.

• Rest to the side or at an end of the pool. Do no sit on the lane ropes.

• If you require assistance when in the water, call out to the nearest person or raise your hand straight up to get the attention of your teacher or the lifeguard.

• Ask for permission before using equipment.

• If using the hydroslide, ensure a maximum of two people go down the slide on each green light and do not block the water entering the slide as this causes damage to the water pumps.

• Have a short shower after being in the pool. Turn off the shower once finished and come prepared with your own towel. Exit the changing room promptly and wait with the class to be dismissed on the school bell.