The name Pou Manaaki Taiohi o Aotearoa was gifted to us by the late Kaumātua Ruru Hona, a mighty totara in the youth development sector.
Pou
Has many various meanings and can be used in many contexts, it can explain something to be universal, organisational or as an individual. Pou can be something outstanding, immaculate, eye catching, something fleeting, brilliant as in a comet, shooting star, a carving…
Manaaki
Manaaki has several meanings, especially, when one person is handed the responsibility of initiating Manaaki or Manaakitanga, to those younger, those who are initiating manaaki become kaitiaki. Kaitiaki initiating manaaki become, nurturers to make one feel safe, to make one feel comfortable, contented, becoming a caregiver, becomes a guide for, becomes the voice for, to assume a parental role, responsible for, being encouraging, being supportive, to become responsible for and to.. To guide those under manaaki spiritually, physically, emotionally by guiding, supporting and encouraging them through trust and respect.
Taiohi
Taiohi means adolescent, usually from ages 14 years through to the early 20 years. It does vary depending on individual maturity, dependability and behaviour and pakeke /adults and kaumātua / Seniors of the hapū. It is based mainly on the age. Kohungahunga / Baby, Tamaiti /Child, Taiohi / Adolescent, Pakeke / Adult.
