Values informed practice

Our values inform and direct everything we do. In health, it starts with valuing the person sitting in front of you right now and everything they bring with them. The impact of personal and organisational values in providing health services is gaining worldwide recognition, particularly in mental health and addiction services. In Aotearoa, New Zealand, it is expected that values in health services recognise and reflect the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. Values across health services should reflect Māori world views.

Values are central to all relationships and develop within a cultural and contemporary context. The concept of values from a Māori perspective has been described by a number of writers as kaingākau (McLachlan, Wirihana, & Huriwai, 2017). For example, manaakitanga, or the practice of supporting and taking care of others, can be understood as the outcome of manaaki, the value of protecting the mana of others by showing generosity, care and support.