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.

Introduction

In today's diverse business landscape, ensuring health and safety standards while honouring cultural values is paramount. Welcome to the transformative journey of Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori (Māori Safety Stewardship Blueprint), where safety, culture, and growth intersect to redefine organisational excellence.

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

Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori (Māori Safety Stewardship Blueprint) responds to Aotearoa New Zealand's 2023 "State of a Thriving Nation" report, revealing $4.4 billion in workplace incident losses. Embedded in Te Ao Māori values like Kaitiakitanga (Stewardship), Kotahitanga (Unity), Mātauranga (Knowledge), and Rangatiratanga (Leadership), it integrates these principles into health, safety, & wellbeing practices across sectors. Inclusive by design, it welcomes non-Māori participation and advocates for collaborative safety practices.

Drawing from 15 years of experience in high-risk industries in Australia, the writer witnessed the transformative power of robust health and safety practices enabled by Australia's Health and Safety Legislation (2011). With Aotearoa New Zealand facing alarming fatality rates, surpassing those of the UK in the 1980s and doubling those of Australia today, the need for a paradigm shift in health, safety, & wellness management is evident.

At its core, the Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori honours Tikanga (traditional Māori customs and values) as the guiding compass, laying the groundwork for proactive cultures that surpass compliance and foster well-being, with Kawa (established protocols) shaping 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 surpassing regulatory benchmarks, envisioning new paradigms of workplace health, safety, & wellness that honour Aotearoa New Zealand's unique identity and contribute to a flourishing, sustainable future for all its people.

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

Integration of Cultural Imperatives

Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori integrates Te Ao Māori (the natural world), fostering respect, reciprocity, and holistic well-being for our people and environment.

Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori is designed to encapsulate more than the physical aspect of health, safety, & wellbeing, it encompasses spiritual, environmental, and communal health and safety, advocating for a paradigm where all employees are custodians of their collective safety.

At its core, the adoption of the whakataukī "He waka eke noa" emphasises unity and collective responsibility, nurturing a robust safety culture. By aligning the Guiding Pillars of Matariki (Pleiades star cluster) with Te Ao Maori Core Values, ancestral wisdom enriches modern health and safety practices.

Implementing this Blueprint signals a commitment to dynamic and inclusive safety standards, transcending mere compliance to embrace Manaakitanga (Care), Rangatiratanga (Leadership), and Kaitiakitanga (Stewardship) principles.

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.

Alignment with Health and Safety Legislation

Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori seamlessly aligns with health and safety legislation, enhancing organisational practices while prioritising stakeholder wellbeing. By infusing cultural values into safety protocols, organisations bolster risk management capabilities and foster a workplace culture centred on care and inclusivity.

In today's dynamic safety landscape, compliance with legislation is not just a requirement, it's a strategic advantage. The Blueprint integrates the robust standards of the Health and Safety at Work Act (HSWA) with the ethos of Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori, creating a comprehensive framework that elevates both risk management and stakeholder welfare.

The incorporation of cultural values into safety measures promotes inclusivity and awareness, reinforcing our commitment to creating a workplace environment that values every individual. This alignment underscores the significance of our blueprint, ensuring that every facet of operations upholds safety laws in both principle and practice.

Through this dual approach, we prioritise the physical, mental, and cultural wellbeing of our workforce, fostering an environment where safety is paramount, and culturally grounded practices not only meet but exceed legislative expectations.

Additionally, a table demonstrating how Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori meets the compliance requirements of HSWA further illustrates our commitment to regulatory adherence and stakeholder welfare.

Matariki – Ngā Pou Ārahi (The Guiding Pillars)

Matariki, the Māori name for the Pleiades star cluster, holds significant cultural importance, symbolising the beginning of the Māori New Year and guiding our ancestors' journey to Aotearoa.

Just as our forebears used these celestial bodies to navigate the vast oceans, we now draw upon them to navigate the seas of health and safety. The stars of Matariki are intricately woven into the fabric of the Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori 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 honours both heritage and current standards.

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.

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.

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:

Harmonising the Wisdom of Matariki within
Workplace Safety

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

This approach transcends traditional safety frameworks by merging spiritual and practical aspects, redefining health, safety, & well-being as fundamental organisational values rather than mere compliance obligations.

This framework empowers organisations to cultivate a vibrant, living safety culture seamlessly integrated with the identity and community values of the workplace. It not only enhances the physical safety of employees but also enriches their spiritual and cultural wellbeing, creating a truly holistic safety environment inspired by Te Ao Māori.

By integrating the Guiding Pillars of Matariki and Core Values, this framework becomes a blueprint for a comprehensive safety culture. For instance, Waipunarangi (Adaptability) and Ara Mōhio (Knowledge) underscore the need for a responsive, learning-focused approach in safety practices, reflecting the dynamic nature of knowledge within Māori culture. Similarly, the fusion of Hiwa-i-te-Rangi (Aspiration) with Ara Whakatau (Decisive Action) highlights the importance of setting and achieving safety goals, fostering continuous improvement and a balance between tangible and spiritual well-being.

Enhancing Organisational Practices
The Impact of Matariki's Guiding Pillars and Core Values

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 provides a description of how the combination of each pillar and its corresponding values enhances organisational practices:

Tailored Application Across Three Organisational Levels

Empower your organisation with comprehensive implementation guides designed to seamlessly integrate cultural imperatives into all aspects of your operations. The guides serve as invaluable roadmaps, offering detailed strategies, and actionable steps to your organisation's unique needs and objectives related to meeting cultural objectives.

These guides offer detailed actionable steps tailored to your organisation's unique needs, empowering team members at all levels to embrace cultural values and foster an inclusive, respectful workplace aligned with Te Ao Māori principles.

To effectively apply Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori across Governance, Management, and Operations levels, it is crucial to understand how the framework translates at each level. Anchored in the enduring Matariki Guiding Pillars, the blueprint provides consistent principles while tailoring specifics such as Core Values, Action Imperatives, and Descriptors to meet the unique needs of each level.

These application tables not only guide integration but also establish, monitor, and evaluate key performance indicators for Governance, Management, and Operations. This structured approach ensures that each level effectively contributes to cultivating a robust safety culture consistent with the blueprint's principles.

The tables below outline the tailored application of Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori across Governance, Management, and Operations levels, providing insights into Pillars, Core Values, Action Imperatives, and Descriptors specific to each level.

Evolving Safety Practices
From Traditional Compliance Model to a Culturally Integrated Model

Explore the transformation in health and safety management with our latest infographic. This visual guide contrasts the Traditional Compliance Model with the more dynamic and culturally aware Kaupapa Taiki Haumaru Maori Model. It illustrates how modern safety practices are moving beyond mere compliance to integrate cultural values at every level, fostering a safer, more inclusive work environment.

If you're interested in understanding how to implement these principles in your organisation, or want more information on the benefits of each model, continue reading below or contact our team.

Discover the transformative shift from traditional compliance to culturally integrated safety practices with our detailed infographic comparison below.

The Benefits of Implementing Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori

Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori offers a transformative pathway for organisations, not just to meet compliance requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA), but to infuse operations with the profound values of Te Ao Māori.

This Blueprint goes beyond regulatory adherence, it signifies a profound shift towards a care-centred approach rooted in the principles of Kaitiakitanga (Guardianship). Developed within the framework of Te Ao Māori, its benefits extend far beyond Māori organisations, offering value to entities of all sizes and backgrounds.

The benefits to implementing Kaupapa Tiaki Haumaru Māori include:

Enhanced Safety Compliance: Elevate safety practices beyond regulations by integrating cultural insights, leading to more effective compliance measures.
Improved Workplace Culture: Foster a positive environment valuing inclusivity and cultural respect, enhancing employee satisfaction and productivity.
Cost Savings: Prioritise preventative measures to reduce costs associated with accidents and injuries, fostering a culture of care and respect.
Risk Management: Advance risk identification and management, reducing potential harms and costs associated with accidents and legal liabilities.
Employee Well-being: Promote holistic safety encompassing emotional, spiritual, and physical health, reducing absenteeism and healthcare costs.
Community Engagement: Strengthen connections with local communities through respectful cultural integration, leading to partnerships and goodwill.
Organisational Reputation: Enhance public image through a commitment to cultural diversity and ethical standards, attracting customers and investors.
Innovative Solutions: Combine traditional wisdom with modern practices to develop unique and effective safety measures, fostering creativity and adaptability.

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