Ngā ara take pū whānau: family values pathways

Whanau

He Whakamārama

Take pū whānau are the values that guide how we develop and maintain relationships. They include values like manaaki, tika, pono, aroha, and tautoko. These values have been passed down through generations in our whakapapa. They can be seen within pūrākau in the actions of ngā atua Māori. They can be seen displayed within the home between a mother and her child, or between tangata whenua and manuhiri on a marae.

As social beings we draw strength from being in healthy relationships with loved ones (family, friends, workmates, pets). Wellbeing for tamariki and whānau means identifying and practicing positive cultural approaches to living well, like our tupuna did. The take pū that come from living and practicing within a Māori worldview (like tikanga Māori) strengthen whānau wellbeing.

Whakataukī

Waiho i te toipoto, kaua i te toiroa

Let us keep close together, not wide apart.

This whakatauki speaks about collectiveness, and about finding and affirming common views, opinions, and positions. Take pū whānau are the values and actions that guide and affirm this connection.

Ngā hua - Benefits

Identifying and aligning with ngā take pū whānau can provide a foundation for improving relationships within our home. Clarifying our values can also allow us to take a closer look at other values that may have come into our lives and home that do not contribute to mauri ora or our general wellbeing.
By understanding and engaging in traditional Māori values and behaviour, our individual and collective identity and way of being as Māori is affirmed. This is an important component of identity.
Understanding ngā take pū whānau also allows us to better understand why things are done a certain way within traditional practices at tangi or on the marae. Without this we are often whakamā to attend – something that can create deep shame and sadness.

Ngā Ara - Pathways

When you see ngā take pū whānau in action in your home, with your children/parents or friends, acknowledge it, nourish it.
Talk with your friends and whānau about what’s important to you within relationships, and learn what’s important to them. See the appendices of He Puna Whakaata for a list of values and their explanations.
Observe and discuss different take pū whānau communicated and/or practiced within the home, or on the marae.
Learn how to engage with marae protocols and be creative with how they can be done at home. For example, our tamariki can use their toys to practice tikanga (pōwhiri, whaikōrero, karakia, kai, waiata, poroporoaki).
Talk to your grandparents or kaumātua about why things are done certain ways, why they’re important ,and how they can be done differently in different places or different iwi, like pōwhiri or tangi.
Practice ngā take pū whānau each day. Call, text a friend, send an email, play a game with your whānau.
Explore and plan how tikanga can be used at home in the online space (kōrero, wānanga, tangihanga, manaaki, aroha-ki-te-tangata, pōwhiri) See the appendices of He Puna Whakaata for a list of values and their explanations.