He aha a Te Aho Tapu? What is Te Aho Tapu?
He aha a Te Aho Tapu? What is Te Aho Tapu?
Te Aho Tapu is a framework [PDF, 98 KB]designed to uplift the cultural capability of everyone at Fire and Emergency, by giving you a way of assessing your current level of cultural capability and then offering resources across a range of pou (subjects) to help you improve. The framework has been adapted from Te Arawhiti and designed and tested with over 250 of our people across the organisation.
On this page you will learn about the following key elements that make up Te Aho Tapu:
- The four capability levels of the framework
- The six pou, subject areas to access resources on
- Behind the name 'Te Aho Tapu'
- About the imagery
The four capability levels of the framework
- Rongo - Listening and learning
Rongo is about bringing awareness and consciousness to your starting point and building from there. Rongo acknowledges that no matter who you are, we have all started from a level of rongo and that’s ok. Rongo is about discussing and identifying the opportunities available so that a person can learn and grow.
- Mōhio - Awareness
Acknowledges the importance of, and can explain at a basic level. Can engage or participate at a beginner level.
- Mārama - Understanding
Understands and can apply knowledge within their work.
- Mātau - Knowledge
Demonstrates deep knowledge and application within their work and is able to lead and advise others
The six pou, subject areas to access resources on
[MP4, 19 MB]
- Te Hononga - Māori Crown Relationship
- Te Rākau Matarua - Challenging racism
- Te Ahu - New Zealand History and Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- Te Ao Mārama - Kaupapa Māori, Worldview Knowledge
- Te Tūāpapa - Tikanga and kawa when engaging with Māori
- Te kai ā te Rangatira - Te Reo Māori
Behind the name 'Te Aho Tapu'
The name Te Aho Tapu was gifted to the framework from Hanna Wainohu, a senior Firefighter from Hastings station. Te Aho Tapu refers to a sacred thread and is a term used in raranga, weaving. Hanna is a weaver of more than 20 years and says that if Te Aho Tapu, the sacred thread is laid correctly, you can build on it and embellish your design.
By laying Te Aho Tapu properly within our organisation, it will be strong and robust enough for us to build and expand on over the next 10 years.
About the imagery
The below image was designed to represent Te Aho Tapu at Fire and Emergency and linked in with Te Tūāpapa rauemi – Tikanga and Kawa when engaging with Māori. Each component of the image tells a story.
Who do I contact with pātai, questions?
Te Aho Tapu is lead by our Hiwa-i-te-rangi programme team and supported by the wider Kaupapa Māori Directorate. Reach out to us via; Hiwa-i-te-rangi@fireandemergency.nz
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