He Pou Whakakitenga
Our Kaupapa Māori Framework
From the beginning, our purpose has been clear and unwavering:
To cultivate a wairua-led service environment where all peoples can truly thrive. Guided by our values of aroha, whānaungatanga, manaakitanga and mana we embody our sense of calling, and steadfast commitment to living out the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi – a true reflection of the heart of Visionwest. Like the posts that hold up the walls of the wharenui, our framework supports, grows and sustains the vision and values of Visionwest Waka Whakakitenga.
He Pou Whakakitenga
Our Kaupapa Māori Framework
The vision first took shape with the opening of the Whānau Centre – a place grounded in aroha, whanaungatanga and manaakitanga. More than just a service hub, the Whānau Centre quickly became a safe refuge and meeting place for many in need; a place where whānau could stand tall in their mana, experience true belonging, and begin their journey of healing, restoration, and growth.
The Whānau Centre rapidly became a living expression of our values and intent. It laid the foundation for the way we continue to serve today by building services that are authentic, honour cultural identity, remain committed to restoring dignity, and supporting all whānau to flourish.
From our collective and enduring deeply lived practice, the He Pou Whakakitenga framework naturally emerged. It lights a way for our kaimahi, giving language and structure to our service philosophies, and holding us to the values and tikanga that have long guided us. These values were shaped on marae, and are now expressed more intentionally through a kaupapa Māori approach, here at Visionwest Waka Whakakitenga. In doing so, our mahi is carried forward with tika, pono, and aroha, being strengthened through integrity, purpose, and compassion.
Kia mau ki te tūmanako, te whakapono me te aroha. Hold fast to hope, faith, and love. The pou of Wairua (Spiritual) supports us to provide a wairua-led environment of hope, faith and love for whānau. We affirm that we are all created as tapu, sacred, and wairua beings as the primal foundation for wellness and transformation. Mā te whakarongo, ka mōhio, mā te mōhio ka mārama, mā te mārama ka mātau, mā te mātau ka ora. Through listening comes knowledge, through knowledge comes understanding, through understanding comes wisdom, through wisdom comes wellbeing. The pou of Mātauranga (Knowledge) grounds and guides us as we work to embed mātauranga Māori at the heart of all we do, forming a strong foundation for transformation and thriving communities. We embrace traditional Māori knowledge including te reo Māori me ōna tikanga, as it is a gateway into understanding, experiencing and growing in te ao Māori. Kia mau ki ō tikanga me te reo Māori, koinei rā tō tūranga teitei e. Cling to your Māori customs and language for there is where you’ll find your high position. Our pou of Tikanga (Practices and Processes) signifies the importance of tikanga Māori and our pursuit of excellence in the understanding and application of tikanga practices and processes.
We prioritise and uphold the safety of whānau by applying tikanga as part of our integrated Māori model of care and the involvement of kaumātua /kuia in our processes.
Our pou of Hauora (Wellness) supports us as we collectively and collaboratively work with our communities to achieve healthy outcomes. This pou holds the learnings of Māori research in health, community and education to build greater understanding of Māori challenges, illnesses while discovering pathways for healing, and development.
The Maihi – Wharenui
The maihi of the wharenui symbolises the outstretched arms of an ancestor, inviting manuhiri visitors into the embrace of the wharenui, which represents a great ancestor. The open angle of the maihi symbolises manaakitanga, as the open arms are always ready to welcome everyone. The wharenui, where people gather, represents the identity, rich history, and knowledge of the tangata whenua (people of the land), or host people. Therefore, it provides a welcoming, safe, and very enriching environment for all.


The Pākati Pattern
The pākati design pattern, etched into whakairo carvings of the whare and waharoa entranceway, symbolises the strength, resilience, and courage associated with mana. Each person who enters our environment holds great value and tapu, with their own unique life story.
Appendices: Te Tiriti o Waitangi Policy and He Pou Whakakitenga.