Te Tauihu o te Waka Whakakitenga
Our journey to shared leadership
Seeking wisdom on how to embody mana ōrite and the true expression of Te Tiriti o Waitangi at Visionwest Waka Whakakitenga, the most significant whakakitenga has been the exploration and creation of shared leadership for the journey ahead. Te Tauihu Waka Whakakitenga symbolises the prow of the waka – our leaders journeying side by side in shared leadership.
Based on Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and our values of aroha, whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and mana, shared leadership enables us to continue to hold whānau and each other well as Visionwest Waka Whakakitenga explores new possibilities grounded in the spirit of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Our Waka Whakakitenga Journey
Our journey has been guided by divine insights, leading us to become a Te Tiriti-centred organisation. Like a poutama (stepped pattern), our Te Tiriti journey has matured through each courageous step, culminating in shared leadership.
Our origins are deeply connected to Glen Eden Baptist Church, which began serving local community needs over sixty-five years ago. The first step was taken in the spirit of service, leading to the establishment of a community trust, now known as Visionwest Waka Whakakitenga. The second step was creating a marae-like environment to nurture whānau Māori. With the leadership of our Tumu Whakarae CEO, Lisa Woolley, and expert Māori leadership, we established the Whānau Centre, holding the mana of each unique whānau as sacred.
The third step involved establishing Māori representation at all levels. This commitment was demonstrated through the appointment of Matua Fred Astle on the executive leadership team and the adoption of our Visionwest Te Tiriti o Waitangi Policy, which prioritised partnership, participation, protection, and equity.
Under Matua Fred’s guidance, a new Māori visual identity and name were established, leading to the development of our He Pou Whakakitenga Kaupapa Māori Framework. This framework, with its four pou – wairua, mātauranga, tikanga, and hauora – guides Whānau Services and Kaupapa Māori development, ultimately resulting in Māori-led services for Māori and for all.
Seeking wisdom on how to embody mana ōrite and the true expression of Te Tiriti, the most significant insight has been the exploration and creation of shared leadership for the journey ahead. Te Tauihu Waka Whakakitenga symbolises the prow of the waka – our Tumu Whakarae and Tumu journeying side by side.
Based on Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and our values, shared leadership supports us to continue to hold each other well as Visionwest Waka Whakakitenga explores new possibilities on our wayfinding mission, grounded in the spirit of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
The Tauihu – Prow of the Waka
The Tauihu, known as the carved front of a waka, symbolises Māori leadership, guiding through calm and stormy waters. It represents leadership who navigate unseen challenges, and embody a spirit of protection and foresight.
At Visionwest, the Tauihu symbolises Shared Leadership, reflecting the partnership between the Tumu Whakarae and Tumu. Anchored in seeing transformed lives and healthy communities, and guided by Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles, this model is sustained through values of aroha, whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and mana.
The tauihu figure symbolises our faith-led traditions, guided by Te Wairua Tapu – the Holy Spirit – towards just governance. Such spiritual guidance aligns us with our sacred purpose, grounding our decisions in wairua and whakapono (belief). As a faith-led organisation, we integrate kaupapa Māori into our practices, enhancing services and enriching our culture with authenticity, integrity, and aroha.
The Poutama
The poutama symbolises spiritual, intellectual, physical, and other forms of progression and growth. It is aptly described as “our climb from ignorance to knowledge, from earth to heaven, from tamaiti to matua.” Beyond its symbolic meaning, the poutama holds deep significance as the whakapapa of a waka, a tribal ancestor, and future generations.
It is rich in stories and mātauranga (knowledge). In the context of Visionwest, we can view each step as a symbol. On one level, it represents divine insight, leading to the creation of Glen Eden Baptist Church, Visionwest, and the rich progression of growth and learnings as a faith-led community organisation. On another level, it signifies our organisation’s development in serving our communities.
On a human level, it symbolises the growth and progression of each person who joins Visionwest.
Appendices: Te Tiriti o Waitangi Policy and He Pou Whakakitenga.