Manaakitanga good for older people
“For Age Concern New Zealand, the Māori Language Week official theme of ‘Manaakitanga’ is especially welcome," National President Liz Baxendine says.
Age Concern’s name in Te Reo is “He Manaakitanga Kaumātua” - a culture of care and concern for older people.
“Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori (the Māori Language Commission) tells us that manaakitanga is a key concept in Māori custom and identity. It’s all about how we make people feel welcome when they are in our company, and how we show regard and care for others,” Liz Baxendine says.
“Manaakitanga” in the sense of “respect” is a key value within all Age Concern services.”
Age Concern is calling for a culture of respect, or manaakitanga, for older people/kaumātua to be adopted right across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Age Concern Elder Abuse and Neglect Prevention Services receive an average of four calls a day about older people/kaumātua who may be being abused or neglected.
“There are many reasons why elder abuse occurs, but it often stems from attitudes that are ageist, and disrespectful of older people/kaumātua. This is why Age Concern focuses on promoting respect,” Liz Baxendine says.
Age Concern is endorsing the Commission’s call to “think of all the ways you can act positively in your community and utilize the language and practice of manaakitanga to do so.”
Māori Language Week 2011 is now on, till 10 July.
Age Concern New Zealand will be supporting Te Reo both nationally and locally during the week.
Illustration from "Manaakitanga Moments" by ArohatiaTeReo
Resources
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