To Tatou Kupenga: Mana Tangata supervision a journey of emancipation through heart mahi for healers

Abstract

This journey of critically exploring Mana Tangata supervision has drawn together the diverse styles, stories and analyses of three generations of tane from the Ruwhiu whanau. This is our journey within to strengthen without – ‘E nohotia ana a waho, kei roto he aha’. Pirihi Te Ohaki (Bill) Ruwhiu (father, grandfather and great grandfather) frames the article by highlighting the significance of wairuatanga, whakapapa and tikanga matauranga Maori – a Maori theoretical and symbolic world of meaning and understanding that informs mana enhancing engagements within the human terrain. Leland Lowe Hyde (son, grandson and father-to-be) threads into that equation the significance of ‘ko au and mana’ (identity and belonging) that significantly maps personal growth and development. Leland Ariel Ruwhiu (son, father and grandfather) using pukorero and nga mohiotanga o te ao Maori me te ao hurihuri weaves these multi dimensional reasonings into a cultural net (Te Kupenga) reflecting indigenous thinking around Mana Tangata supervision for tangata whenua social and community work practitioners.