OUR BEGINNINGS
Rangahau invites us to engage with bodies of knowledge in ways that are underpinned by our Indigenous ways of knowing, doing, and being. In all our endeavours we are searching out the knowledge of the atua, ancestors, and those who have journeyed before us, for the betterment of our whānau, hapū, iwi, and communities - both now and in the future.
Te Manawahoukura
This name has its whakapapa in four kupu:
Manawa: a. Manawa as per the kōrero regarding Tikiāhua
b. heart
c. breath
Hou: to bind, to enter, to make peace, new/renew, sound.
Kura: treasure, knowledge, e.g kura huna – important knowledge
Houkura: to be prosperous, peaceful, undisturbed, intact
The brand pattern for Te Manawahoukura symbolises the embracing of two elements of Hani & Puna around a central space of energy - Tikiāhua, reflecting the concept of Whakapapa. The pattern represents a journey into and out from the centre, emphasizing the non-linear nature of research, rejecting the notion of a single path to Rangahau. The eye, Matawhānui, signifies looking into the future, while the search for knowledge is encapsulated in the phrase “Kimihia rangahaua.” The four piko in the pattern represent the four Uara and four Takepū of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa. Vibrations symbolised by “Manawa tīna, manawa toka” portray the beating and throbbing heart, while water ripples signify the ripple effect. All these elements merge harmoniously to form the pattern of Te Manawahoukura.
Guiding Our Actions through Takepū
Kaitiakitanga
We are the kaitiaki of Rangahau and its subsequent mātauranga. Our relationship with Rangahau is that of a custodian to protect and sustain for future generations. We prioritise projects that contribute to the mauri ora of the Taiao. We collaborate with whānau, hapū, iwi, hapori Māori, kairangahau outside of the Wānanga with the same values as us and kaimahi across Te Wānanga o Aotearoa to inspire and foster educational excellence through Rangahau.
Koha
Contributions of consequence are at the heart of our dissemination philosophy. We find creative and fresh ways to share knowledge that are accessible and of use to communities. Te Manawahoukura is committed to collaboration. Building whanaungatanga internationally and nationally through funding agencies, whare wānanga, universities, iwi, whānau, and hapū is a key focus. Our collaborations are built on genuine relationships and reciprocity. Te Manawahoukura is committed to context-rich and praxis-oriented Rangahau that contributes to transformative outcomes for communities. We advocate for just outcomes for our communities.
Āhurutanga
We are mana affirming in our work. Te Manawahoukura is a kāinga for kaiako and kaimahi at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa to engage in Rangahau that reflects our collective values. We embody the concept of Āta in our Rangahau to ensure that we are reflective, considered, and mindful. Embodying Āta will protect the ethical integrity of our mahi. We apply the Kaupapa Rangahau methodological model to our Rangahau projects at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa to align with the heart of Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
Mauri Ora
We value and validate all bodies of knowledge that have the capacity to bring about transformation for whānau. All worldviews have mana and tapu. We invest in kaiako, kaimahi and tauira at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa to continually enhance educational excellence through Rangahau. We are strategic with our revenue opportunities to enable us to transform our whānau and communities. We build national and international relationships to support these transformative outcomes.