Having just completed a two day course on the Dynamics of Whanaungatanga, I am even more envious of nursing students today who have the opportunity to explore these concepts as part of their undergraduate nursing training.Indeed New Zealand nurses have described this model of care in practice.
The elements of whanaungatanga-Tapu, mana, Pono, Tiki and Aroha as described by Pa Henare Tate in his thesis, resonates deeply with the nursing philisophy of caring for self, respect, trust and restoration. If this basis of traditional Maori society was better understood and accepted by New Zealanders- not least politicians and funders and legislators, perhaps the growing inequality and inequity issues we are experiencing as a society may be arrested.
The benefits of utilising the triumverate of Pono- the reality, Tika- what is right, and Aroha- what is compassionate in all my connections with people in our mutual efforts to achieve Te Wa -the journey of life – appears to be self evident. The knowledge inherent in these concepts are simple and clear. Many of the values that our New Zealand society hold dear are expressed within the traditional Maori values system, within their definitions of roles and relationships.Perhaps if more Kiwis (including Maori) were to be open to learning and accepting these in a more overt formal way within our lives and our work, whanau/child poverty, whanau violence, alcoholism and other negative behaviours may be more readily rejected and eradicated.
Simple in purpose but rich in content. And deeply empowering.