Culture and Tikanga

Why Building a Culture of Respect & Tikanga Matters?

Respect is about honouring others and ourselves.
Manaakitanga is about showing care, hospitality, and kindness, especially to those around us.

By living these values, we create a school where everyone feels valued, safe, and supported.

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Respecting Yourself

• Take pride in your appearance and uniform.
• Be responsible for your actions.
• Set high standards for your work and behaviour.
• Ask for help when you need it — that's strength, not weakness.

Respecting Your Peers

• Use kind, encouraging language.
• Celebrate others’ successes without jealousy.
• Include others — no one should feel left out.
• Avoid gossip or put-downs. No tall-poppy syndrome here!
• Support your mates in doing the right thing. Be an upstander.

Respecting Staff

• Use polite greetings like “Good morning / Kia ora, sir/miss.
• Follow instructions the first time.
• Use “please,” “thank you,” and “excuse me.”
• Speak in a calm, respectful tone — even when disagreeing.
• Show appreciation for the time and effort staff give

Respecting Our Community

• Represent our school with pride when in uniform. Tuck your shirt in. Make sure it is clean. Before school, at school and after school. You are the face of our school.
• Behave well on public transport, in shops, and at public events.
• Help visitors feel welcome and safe.
• Volunteer your time when needed — giving back matters.

Behaviour During Speeches & Conversations

• Make eye contact with the speaker.
• Sit still and don’t talk over others.
• Avoid fiddling, using your phone or laptop - being distracted is off putting and rude.
• Clap or show appreciation at the end of a speech.
• Ask thoughtful questions if invited.

Small Actions, Big Respect

• Hold the door open for others, especially teachers and elders.
• Let others go first when appropriate.
• Pick up litter — even if it’s not yours.
• Offer your seat to visitors or adults

Speaking with Manners and Respect

• Use a respectful tone — no sarcasm, shouting, or swearing.
• Speak clearly and listen more than you talk.
• Apologise when you're wrong — it's a sign of maturity.
• Say “please,” “thank you,” and “sorry” when needed.
• Speak to others as you would want to be spoken to.

Respectful Audience Guidelines

1. Listen carefully – Eyes on the speaker or performer, ears open.
2. Stay silent – No talking or whispering.
3. Keep devices away – Phones off and out of sight.
4. Sit still – Stay seated and avoid distractions.
5. Clap respectfully – Applaud at the right times only.
6. Support everyone – Show kindness, even if it’s not your favourite performance
7. Follow adult instructions – Be a positive role model for others

Tikanga at School: Doing Things the Right Way

1. Remove shoes where appropriate – Especially before entering spaces like wharenui or some classrooms (drama classroom and gym).
2. Respect shared spaces – Keep them tidy and treat shared spaces with care.
3. Handle food respectfully – No eating in sacred spaces or where kai is not allowed.
4. Care for taonga (treasures) – This includes books, artworks, and school resources.
5. Participate with integrity – Show respect during karakia, waiata, pōwhiri, and other cultural practices.
6. Avoiding Sitting on Tables: Refrain from sitting on tables, especially those used for food or medication.
7. Respectful Movement: Try not to walk directly in front of someone who is speaking, or if you cannot avoid it, crouch down.
8. Avoiding Head Touching: Unless invited, avoid touching another person's head, as this is considered a sacred part of the body.
9. Keep food and body items separate – Don’t place hats, bags, or clothing items on tables where food is or will be served.
10. Be mindful with personal items – Avoid placing items like bags or hats on tables; place them on the floor or designated storage spaces instead.
11. Mind your posture – Sitting with your backside or feet facing others, especially elders or important objects, can be seen as disrespectful. Avoid sitting directly on pillows or cushions. They can however be used to prop up your back.
12. Avoid stepping over people – In crowded spaces, ask others to move their legs rather than stepping over them.

Showing Manaakitanga: Caring for Others

1. Be kind and inclusive – Make sure everyone feels welcome and valued.
2. Help when you can – Offer support to classmates and visitors.
3. Speak with respect – Use encouraging, positive language.
4. Look after visitors – Show hospitality and guide them if needed.
5. Uplift others – Celebrate successes and support those who are struggling.
6. Take responsibility – For your actions, your space, and your learning.

Our Vision

We are proud to be a school where manaakitanga, tikanga and respect are woven into daily life. By practicing these values, we become not just better students — but better men, friends, leaders, and citizens.

Together, we uphold the mana of our school and our people.