Kaupapa (Purpose)
 

This online forum is a digital space for community leaders and changemakers working to
support a positive change in men for a violence free Aotearoa. It's a place to learn, share kōrero, insights, and
intelligence, and to inspire and connect with others across Aotearoa New Zealand.
 

These tikanga whakahāere (guidelines) serve as our collective agreement on how we engage
within this digital space. They are rooted in the principles of Aki (to uplift), Ako (reciprocal
learning), and Ake (to intensify and amplify). Our tikanga aim to create a safe, respectful, and
dynamic environment where authentic connections flourish, knowledge is shared freely, and our
collective impact is amplified. By adhering to these guidelines, we ensure that our digital space
remains a powerful tool for positive change, enabling us to support each other, grow together,
and extend the reach of our mahi across communities. These tikanga are not just rules, but a
reflection of our shared values and commitment to the kaupapa of reducing family and intimate partner violence and fostering wellbeing for all whānau in Aotearoa.
 

Ngā Mātāpono (Guiding Principles)
 

1. Aki: To Uplift
 

With our words, thoughts, and actions, we always aim to uplift and empower one
another.
 

2. Ako: Reciprocal Learning
 

We are all teachers and learners, tuakana and teina, on our own learning journeys. We
engage in reciprocal learning, both giving and receiving knowledge.
 

3. Ake: To Intensify and Amplify
 

Together, we amplify each other's efforts, extending our collective strength and
broadening our impact across the changemaker ecosystem.
 

Tikanga (Guidelines)
 

1. Practicing Aki (Uplifting)

● Manaakitanga (Respect and Kindness):
○ Use language that uplifts and empowers others.
○ Offer encouragement and support to fellow changemakers.
○ Celebrate successes, no matter how small.
● Constructive Kōrero:
○ Frame challenges as opportunities for growth and learning.
○ When providing feedback, balance areas for improvement with positive observations.
○ Focus on solutions and positive change rather than dwelling solely on problems.
● Cultural Affirmation:
○ Acknowledge and respect the diverse cultural backgrounds of participants.
○ Use te reo Māori and other languages when appropriate to affirm cultural identities.
 

2. Embodying Ako (Reciprocal Learning)

● Active Participation:
○ Share your knowledge, experiences, and insights generously.
○ Ask questions and seek clarification to deepen your understanding.
○ Be open to learning from every interaction and contribution.
● Diverse Perspectives:
○ Value and seek out diverse viewpoints and approaches.
○ Acknowledge how others' contributions enhance your learning.
○ Be willing to reconsider your views based on new information or perspectives.
● Collaborative Problem-Solving:
○ Engage in collective brainstorming and solution-finding.
○ Build on others' ideas to create stronger, more comprehensive approaches.
○ Share both successes and challenges as learning opportunities for all.
 

3. Nurturing Ake (Intensifying and Amplifying)

● Whakakaha Ake (Strengthening Together):
○ Actively seek ways to support and enhance others' initiatives.
○ Collaborate on projects to multiply our individual efforts.
○ Share resources and strategies that have proven effective in your work.
● Whakapai Ake (Continuous Improvement):
○ Regularly reflect on our collective progress and identify areas for growth.
○ Propose and implement improvements to our forum and wider changemaker
ecosystem.
○ Encourage and support each other in pushing beyond our comfort zones.
● Whakarahi Ake (Extending Our Reach):
○ Share success stories that can inspire and be replicated in other communities.
○ Connect changemakers across regions to create a nationwide support network.
○ Explore innovative ways to extend the impact of our work beyond our immediate
circles.
● Amplifying Voices:
○ Elevate important messages and initiatives from fellow changemakers.
○ Use your platform to increase visibility for underrepresented perspectives.
○ Collaborate on communications strategies to extend our collective reach.

4. Kaitiakitanga (Guardianship of Our Digital Space)

● Collective Responsibility:
○ Take responsibility for maintaining a safe and supportive environment.
○ Gently remind others of our tikanga if needed.
○ Report any concerns to forum moderators to ensure the space remains safe for all.
● Respectful Communication
○ Use considerate and inclusive language.
○ Listen actively and respond thoughtfully to others' contributions.
○ Avoid personal attacks, discriminatory language, or harmful stereotypes.
○ Avoid sharing graphic or unnecessarily distressing content.
○ Use clear, descriptive titles for new threads or posts.
○ Stay on topic within each thread or discussion.
○ Use content warnings where appropriate for potentially sensitive topics.
● Privacy and Confidentiality
○ Respect the privacy of others. Do not share personal information without explicit
permission.
○ When sharing experiences or case studies, ensure all identifying details are
removed.
● Conflict Resolution:
○ Address disagreements respectfully, focusing on the issue rather than the person.
○ Seek to understand different perspectives before responding.
○ If conflicts escalate, seek support from forum administrators.
○ If you see content that violates these guidelines or concerns you, report it to the
forum moderators.
○ Using the ‘cuppa tea’ break strategy or having strategic breaks to help shift energy,
and to reset the kōrero, where it has become strained.
● Fostering Growth:
○ Provide constructive feedback on how the forum can better serve the community's
needs.
○ Suggest new topics or areas of focus that align with our kaupapa.
○ Actively participate in community initiatives to strengthen our digital marae.
 

Remember, in this digital space, every interaction is an opportunity to uplift (Aki), to teach and
learn (Ako), and to intensify our collective impact (Ake). By following these tikanga, we create
an environment where all participants can contribute to and benefit from our shared wisdom and
experience in supporting men and whānau to create positive change.
 

Haumi e, hui e, Tāiki e!