Our Values

Our kawa and tikanga are our principles, protocols and practices that enable a place of safety and belonging, and a sense of value for all. It formalises the standards for all EHF Fellows, the EHF team and Board, and makes clear our ways of working together.

Our kawa (non-negotiable principles): define who we are and what we stand for as a Fellowship. These can be defined as the protocols, rules and customs that do not change. They underpin everything we do.

Our tikanga (standards of practice): guide how we work together. They are an invitation to do the right thing. Tikanga are fluid and adaptable to the needs of the day.

MANAAKITANGA (Hospitality and Respect)

Our behaviour is mana-enhancing to those around us. We build relationships based on respect, care and reciprocity. We demonstrate generosity, fairness, appreciation and humility towards others.

We will:

  • Treat each other with respect, and demonstrate openness, inclusivity, empathy, and generosity in our interactions.
  • Respect the cultural background and diversity of one another, and nurture curiosity and openness to diverse perspectives.
  • Recognise our obligation to listen and learn about Aotearoa NZ, to understand Te Tiriti o Waitangi and learn about the values of tangata whenua and Aotearoa NZ communities.
  • Engage in any difficult conversations gracefully and constructively, including on challenging or polarising issues, such as human rights, indigenous rights, economic empowerment, future technologies, climate action.

WHAKAWHĀNAUNGATANGA (Relationship Building)

We recognise that accomplishments are never singular but the result of collaborative effort made possible by developing and maintaining strong relationships.

We will:

  • Help each other to find a sense of belonging, including finding ways to connect, create opportunities for collective impact, and support those who broker meaningful relationships.
  • Seek to communicate clearly and positively to avoid misunderstandings, and be open to sharing and receiving constructive feedback, taking time to listen and learn.
  • Raise concerns sincerely, talking first with those directly involved where appropriate, in a way that assumes the best and maintains the dignity of everyone.
  • Acknowledge that understanding what it means to be Tangata Tiriti is a shared journey, and encourage openness to learning, and guidance of practice amongst each other.
  • Respect all relevant law, regulations, and policies, including EHF policies relating to in-person and online communications.

KAITIAKITANGA (Guardianship)

We honour the responsibility to care for people, place, knowledge, culture, language and resources for future generations.

We will
  • Strive to uphold environmental and social responsibilities, aligning with sustainable practices and long-term community benefits.
  • Seek to lead bold initiatives, and invest in evidence-based resources that support sustainability and regenerative practices.
  • Respect mātauranga Māori and indigenous wisdom alongside scientific endeavours.
  • Honour the Sir Edmund Hillary name and EHF, the Hillary Institute and Aotearoa NZ, and inform the EHF team of any reputational or media issues as they arise.
  • Respect the privacy of others, and the ownership and confidentiality of their information, IP and data.

RANGATIRATANGA (Leadership)

We seek to exemplify the attributes commonly associated with a rangatira - responsibility, integrity, generosity and the ability to unite people.

We will
  • Live and practise positive leadership, striving to maintain high integrity in all that we do.
  • Foster diverse leadership styles, including servant leadership.
  • Be self-reliant as a Fellowship collective.
  • Recognise and support the aspirations of Māori and all indigenous peoples in self-determination.
  • Uphold high ethical standards in our actions, interactions, and decision-making.

Acknowledgements: Our kawa and tikanga were shaped with the wisdom and guidance of Te Āti Awa Taranaki Whānui, Te Kāhui Māori, and building on the Values Compass work led by Fellows. It was introduced on 1 July 2024.

Issue Resolution Process: EHF takes concerns or complaints seriously. We will respond actively and thoroughly, and always try to resolve in ways that preserve the dignity of all involved. To report an issue you are not comfortable addressing yourself, contact team@ehf.org. Any complaints will be assessed and escalated as appropriate.