Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori
Māori Safety Stewardship Blueprint

He Mihi

Ka mihi nui atu ki ngā atua, ki ngā tupuna, ki te whenua, ki te moana, ki te rangi e whāriki nei i te ara mō tātou. He mihi maioha tēnei ki a koutou e whai wāhi mai ana ki te kōkiri i tēnei kaupapa nui. Ki te taha wairua, ki te taha tinana, ka tūhonohono tātou i roto i te mahi, i roto i te ako, i roto i te oranga.

Nau mai, piki mai, kake mai ki tēnei tirohanga hou e whakamana ana i te haumaru me te ora i ngā taiao mahi Māori. E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e rau rangatira mā, mā tēnei tuhinga e arataki, e whakamōhio, e whakakaha i a tātou ki te whakarite i tētahi taiao mahi haumaru, toitū hoki.

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tatou katoa.

The "Why" Behind Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori
A Reflection and Vision for Change

Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori (Māori Safety Stewardship Blueprint), unveiled in the wake of Aotearoa New Zealand's "State of a Thriving Nation" report in 2023, acts as a clear call to address the staggering $4.4 billion in losses from workplace incidents. The blueprint champions a comprehensive integration of Te Ao Māori (the natural world) values of Kaitiakitanga (Stewardship), Kotahitanga (Unity), Mātauranga (Knowledge), and Rangatiratanga (Leadership), into the fabric of health, safety, & well-being practices across diverse sectors.

Designed as an inclusive framework, Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori embraces non-Māori participation, ensuring that all workers can engage with, and benefit from, its principles. In doing so, it extends the respect for Māori culture to the broader community, advocating for collaborative safety practices that resonate across various organisational cultures (Kaitiakitanga).

Informed by more than a decade of experience in high-risk sectors, the blueprint anticipates transformative impacts like those seen through rigorous health, safety, & wellness improvements elsewhere. Aotearoa New Zealand, grappling with high fatality rates that reflect those of the UK in the 1980s and double those of Australia today, is primed for a shift in health, safety, & wellness management to a level that transcends current standards.

At its heart, the blueprint honours Tikanga (traditional Māori customs and values) as the compass guiding all aspects of the framework. Tikanga provides a foundation for rules and procedures that underpin daily operations, translating into a proactive culture that surpasses compliance and fosters well-being. It positions Kawa (established protocols) as living practices that shape safe, respectful, and health-affirming work environments.

Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori invites diverse stakeholders to unite in cultivating a health, safety, and wellness culture committed to more than just meeting regulatory benchmarks. It envisions creating new paradigms of workplace health, safety, & wellness that honour Aotearoa New Zealand's unique identity and contributes to a flourishing, sustainable future for all its people.

"State of a Thriving Nation" report by the Business Leaders' Health and Safety Forum 2023

Uniting Te Tiriti and Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori
For a Safer Workplace

Integrating the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (The Treaty of Waitangi) and He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni (Declaration of Independence 1835) with Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori, represents a commitment to a partnership that honours the treaty's foundational values. By weaving these blueprint principles into the fabric of the organisation, government entities can set a powerful precedent for collaborative, culturally responsive health, and safety practices.

This approach involves actively engaging with Māori stakeholders to co-design health and safety policies that not only meet legal and ethical standards but also reflect Māori perspectives on safety and well-being. It signifies a shift towards participation, ensuring Māori voices are integral in shaping health and safety strategies, thus fostering a sense of ownership and alignment with Māori values and aspirations.

Moreover, the emphasis on protection and sovereignty underlines the responsibility of government entities to safeguard Māori health and safety in all its dimensions, respecting Māori authority over their environmental and cultural assets. This holistic integration of Te Tiriti and He Whakaputanga principles into health and safety frameworks champions a more inclusive, equitable, and effective approach to workplace safety across Aotearoa New Zealand, setting a benchmark for others to follow.

Integrating Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori into a Business Framework

Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori integration outlines an innovative approach to safety in the workplace, underpinned by the rich cultural values of Te Ao Māori. This strategy is designed to encapsulate more than the physical aspect of safety and wellbeing, it encompasses spiritual, environmental, and communal health and safety, advocating for a paradigm where all employees are custodians of their collective safety.

Central to this framework is the adoption of the whakataukī (proverb) "He waka eke noa," a call for unity and collective responsibility, key to cultivating a strong safety culture. Through the alignment of Matariki (Pleiades star cluster) constellation's Guiding Pillars with foundational Core Values, the blueprint weaves ancestral wisdom into the fabric of modern occupational health and safety, enhancing practices with the profound insights of Te Ao Māori

Implementing this blueprint within organisations signifies a dedication to a dynamic and inclusive safety ethos. It urges a departure from mere compliance, moving towards practices imbued with Manaakitanga (Care), Rangatiratanga (Leadership), and the spirit of Kaitiakitanga (Stewardship).

This forward-thinking integration acknowledges and respects the unique heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand, propelling entities to lead in establishing a workplace where health, safety, and cultural integrity are inherently linked and mutually reinforcing.

Matariki – Ngā Pou Ārahi (The Guiding Pillars)

Matariki, the Māori name for the Pleiades star cluster, holds significant cultural importance and marks the beginning of the Māori New Year. The stars of Matariki are woven into the Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori (Māori Safety Stewardship Blueprint) as Guiding Pillars or principles, each representing a specific aspect of safety and stewardship, aligned with their respective cultural meanings:

Matariki: The star that signifies reflection, hope, our connection to the environment, and the health of the people. In the blueprint, it representsthe overarching vision for safety and well-being.

Pōhutukawa (Remembrance): This star is associated with those who have passed away. In the blueprint, it reminds us to honour those lost to workplace incidents and strengthen our resolve to prevent future tragedies.

Waitī (Purity): Connected to fresh water and the food that comes from it. It symbolises the need for purity and cleanliness in safety practices.

Waitā (Environment): Tied to the ocean and the food within it, representing the importance of a safe working environment for those in maritime and fisheries sectors.

Waipunarangi (Adaptability): Linked with rain. It represents the adaptability and resilience required in safety management.

Tupuānuku (Growth): Related to food that grows within the soil. It inspires us to ground our safety measures in sustainable practices that honour and protect the earth.

Tupuārangi (Risk Events): Associated with food from the sky, like birds and fruit. This relates to the safety of higher-risk environments, such as working at heights and aerial work.

Ururangi (External Factors): This star is about the winds. It symbolises the uncontrollable external factors that require robust safety plans.

Hiwa-i-te-Rangi (Aspirations): The star associated with granting our wishes, representing the aspirations and commitment to continuous improvement in workplace safety.

Ngā Uara Matua - (The Core Values)

These values serve as crucial guides, addressing contemporary safety challenges while drawing on traditional insights. This approach ensures that safety measures in government settings not only meet modern requirements but also respect and incorporate ancestral knowledge, fostering a workplace environment that honors both heritage and current standards.

Each Core Value begins with "Ara," (path) signifying not just a principle but a dynamic pathway that brings these values to life within the organisational structure. This terminology underscores a commitment to actively engage with these values, fostering a vibrant and evolving safety culture anchored in Māori wisdom.

For organisations, Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori establishes vital Core Values to enhance workplace safety, deeply integrating Māori cultural insights into every safety-related decision and action.

Together, the Core Values form our navigational chart, steering us through today's workplace safety challenges, much as the celestial guides led our ancestors to a new home.

Our journey is illuminated by:

Ara Whanau (Inclusivity): Forging a shared identity and unity among us.
Ara Kaitiaki (Stewardship): Our commitment to safeguarding and protecting.
Ara Kotahi (Unity): The core of our collective strength and collaboration.
Ara Mōhio (Knowledge): Acts as our chart or compass, illuminating our path with continuous learning and insight.
Ara Rangatira (Leadership): Steers our collective waka with foresight and vision.
Ara Whakatika (Problem-Solving): Equips us to tackle the waves of uncertainty.
Ara Tikanga (Cultural Governance): Anchors our voyage to cultural values.
Ara Whakatau (Decision Making): Ensures our journey is true, steering towards the shores of safety for all.

The table below translates the Core Values into their relationship to safety management:

What Does This Mean for Organisations?

For organisations, integrating the Guiding Pillars of Matariki with the Core Values offers a framework that deeply embeds Māori cultural values into public safety strategies.

This approach enriches safety protocols with spiritual significance and engaging symbolism, fostering a deeper connection within the community.

This philosophy champions a comprehensive safety strategy, focused on renewal and community cohesion, prompting leaders to bolster team wellbeing and acknowledge collective achievements. Embracing the values of Matariki and the Core Values leads government entities to foster a safety culture that is not only protective but also connective, blending traditional wisdom with modern compliance requirements. This strategic alignment steers government organisations towards a safe, healthy, and culturally rich workplace environment.

The table below outlines how the combination of Guiding Pillars and Core Values can enhance organisational practices:

Harmonising the Wisdom of Matariki within
Workplace Safety

For organisations, Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori provides a strategic framework that integrates the Guiding Pillars of Matariki with Core Values to cultivate a safety model deeply entrenched in cultural traditions.

This integration transforms the Matariki Pillars and Core Values into a blueprint for a comprehensive safety culture, where, for example, Waipunarangi (Adaptability) and Ara Mōhio (Knowledge) underscore the necessity for a responsive, learning-focused approach in safety practices. This reflects the dynamic nature of knowledge within Māori culture. Likewise, the union of Hiwa-i-te-Rangi (Aspiration) with Ara Whakatau (Decisive Action) emphasises the importance of setting and achieving safety goals, fostering continual improvement and a balance between tangible and spiritual well-being.

This framework guides entities to foster a vibrant, living safety culture that is seamlessly integrated with both the identity and the community values of the workplace. This method not only boosts the physical safety of employees but also enhances their spiritual and cultural well-being, creating a truly holistic safety environment inspired by Te Ao Māori.

This approach extends beyond traditional safety frameworks by merging spiritual and practical aspects, redefining safety and wellbeing as fundamental organisational values, not just compliance obligations.

The Benefits of Implementing Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori

Boosted Organisational Reputation - Enhances public image through commitment to cultural diversity and ethical standards.
Strengthened Community and Stakeholder Relations - Enhances relationships with Māori communities via respectful cultural integration.
Enhanced Employee Well-being - Promotes holistic safety encompassing emotional, spiritual, and physical health for better well-being.

Enhanced Safety Compliance - Integrates Māori cultural insights to elevate safety beyond standard regulations.
Improved Workplace Culture - Fosters a positive environment valuing inclusivity and cultural respect, enhancing employee satisfaction.
Alignment with Māori Values - Strengthens engagement with Māori workers by embedding Te Ao Māori principles, deepening community connections.

Proactive Risk Management - Advances risk identification and management, reducing potential harms and costs.
Innovative Safety Solutions - Combines traditional wisdom with modern practices for unique and effective safety measures.

To effectively apply Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori across the three (3) different organisational levels, it's essential to clearly understand how the framework translates from Governance to Management and Operations. Anchored in the enduring Matariki Guiding Pillars, the blueprint provides consistent, overarching principles across all levels. However, the application specifics such as Core Values, Action Imperatives, and Descriptors are tailored to meet the unique needs and responsibilities of each level, ensuring relevance and practicality.

The application tables are not only guides for integrating the blueprint’s principles but also serve as tools to establish, monitor, and evaluate key performance indicators for Governance, Management, and Operations. This structured approach helps manage performance and provides accountability to the blueprint, ensuring that each level of the organisation contributes effectively to cultivating a robust safety culture that is both consistent and adaptable to varying organisational needs.

The tables which follow provide the detail for applying the Blueprint at each organisation level:

Tailored Application Across Three Organisational Levels

Applying the Blueprint - Governance, Management, & Operations

Safe-T-Solutions Service Delivery Model - (Tauira Tuku Ratonga)

The Safe-T-Solutions Service Delivery Model provides a structured method for embedding Mahere Tiaki Haumaru Māori into organisational safety culture, emphasising Māori values.

This comprehensive approach begins with a reflective assessment and progresses through stages including Health, Safety, Environmental & Quality (HSEQ) audits and action plans, all aimed at integrating Māori cultural values into safety practices. It highlights the governance role in developing strategies, monitoring implementation, and ensuring continuous alignment with cultural and safety goals. The model underscores the importance of ongoing improvement, reflecting the dynamic essence of Māori traditions.

Adopting this model represents a commitment to a safety culture that is both effective and culturally meaningful, steering organisations towards inclusive and sustainable safety excellence.

Final Reflections: Embracing Our Safety Journey

As we advance on our path towards enhanced workplace safety, guided by the wisdom of Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori - Māori Safety Stewardship Blueprint tailored for every organisational level, we invite you to join us in this pivotal transformation.

Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori extends beyond a mere framework, it embodies our commitment to nurturing a culture enriched with safety, respect, and inclusivity. Integrating these core principles elevates not only our safety protocols but also the well-being and engagement of our entire team.

For a comprehensive understanding and insights into adapting this Blueprint for your organisation, we encourage you to download the full document. Click the 'Learn More' button below to obtain the detailed blueprint and embark on your journey towards a safer, fully integrated workplace environment.

For further information please reach out to Tama Robson on 022 410 2959 or email at tama@safetsolutions.co.nz.

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Ka kite anō i a koutou. Haere rā me te aroha nui, me te tiaki tangata hoki. Mā te whakaaro nui e arahi i a tātou i roto i ngā wā katoa. Haere rā, haere i runga i te rangimārie.

Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori Māori Safety Stewardship Blueprint