Our School Values – Te Uara o Te Mahia
At Te Mahia School, our values are grounded in the belief that every child holds mana – a unique potential to grow, achieve and thrive.
We are proud to use the Mana Enhancment Model here at school, a strengths-based approach that guides the way we understand and support our tamariki. In 2025, we are also beginning to embed PB4L – Positive Behaviour for Learning into our school environment. This will further support our positive school culture and provide consistent, whānau-centred strategies that grow confident, respectful learners.
Our five core mana values shape everything we do at Te Mahia:
1. Mana Ūkaipō – A sense of belonging and identity
We value each child’s connection to their whānau, hapū, iwi, and whenua. We nurture pride in who they are and where they come from.At school, we create a safe, inclusive environment where students feel valued, respected, and deeply rooted in their identity.
“Ko wai au? I know who I am, and I belong here.”
2. Mana Tū – Courage, resilience, and standing strong
We encourage our learners to be brave, to try new things, and to stand tall in the face of challenges.Through high expectations and consistent support, our students develop resilience, determination, and the ability to make strong, positive choices.
“Ka tū au – I will stand strong.”
3. Mana Whānau – Strong relationships and collective strength
Whānau is at the heart of everything we do. We strengthen relationships between students, staff, and families, and promote unity, care, and mutual responsibility.Working together, we grow the collective mana of our school community.
“He waka eke noa – We are all in this together.”
4. Mana Motuhake – Independence and self-determination
We empower our tamariki to be self-managing and confident in their decision-making.Students are supported to take ownership of their learning and behaviour, knowing they have the power to shape their own paths.
“I am responsible for myself – I choose how I learn, grow, and behave.”
5. Mana Reo – Voice, language, and communication
We value the power of voice and language as tools for expression, identity, and connection.At Te Mahia, every learner is encouraged to share their thoughts, ideas, and feelings – confidently and respectfully – in te reo Māori, English, Sign Language or their chosen language.
“My voice matters – He mana tōku reo.”
Our values are lived, not just stated. They are reflected in the way we relate to our tamariki, whānau, staff and community — and they shape the kind of learners and leaders we grow at Te Mahia School.
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