Building a Respectful Workplace Culture – the Awhimai Advocacy Way

Workplaces should be places where people feel safe, valued, and empowered to do their best mahi. But for many, the reality can be very different. Whether it’s being overlooked, feeling isolated, facing subtle microaggressions, or being directly impacted by bullying, discrimination, or redundancy — these experiences can take a real toll. Sometimes you don’t even realise how much it’s affecting you until your wairua starts to fade, and your confidence takes a hit.

At Awhimai Advocacy, we understand how hard it is to speak up — especially when you’re not sure who’s on your side. That’s why we’re here. We offer more than advice or information. We offer manaaki. We offer a culturally grounded, heart-led space where your voice matters, your experiences are honoured, and your mana is upheld.

A Kaupapa Māori Approach to Advocacy

What makes Awhimai Advocacy different is our kaupapa. We lead with values that are deeply rooted in te ao Māori — manaakitanga, whanaungatanga, and tika. These aren’t just words for us. They shape how we listen, how we support, and how we advocate.

• Manaakitanga is about offering care and hospitality in every interaction — whether we’re responding to a first email, holding space for your story, or helping you navigate a difficult conversation at work.

• Whanaungatanga reminds us that relationships matter. We don’t see you as a case or a problem to be solved. We see you as part of our collective — someone deserving of dignity and connection.

• Tika is about doing what’s right, not just what’s easy. That means calling out injustice, advocating for fairness, and standing alongside you as you take steps forward.

It’s Not Just About Fixing Problems — It’s About Preventing Them

While a big part of our mahi is helping individuals who are already in tough situations, we also work to shift the culture in workplaces themselves. Respectful, inclusive environments don’t happen by chance — they’re created through conscious effort.

That’s why we support organisations to reflect on their practices, build their cultural competence, and create spaces where all staff — Māori and non-Māori — feel seen, heard, and safe. We encourage kōrero about what respect looks like, how to handle conflict early, and why tikanga and equity matter in everyday workplace decisions.

Prevention is powerful. And it starts with awareness, education, and leadership that’s willing to listen and grow.

Our Strength is in Storytelling — and Community

Much of our work comes through referrals and word-of-mouth — people sharing with others that they felt heard, supported, and uplifted. We believe in the power of storytelling. Stories help others feel less alone. They create connection. And they gently open the door to change.

As we grow our online presence, we’ll continue to share stories, insights, and practical tools that speak to real people and real experiences. Whether it's a post about navigating restructure with dignity or tips for handling a difficult conversation with your manager, we’ll always bring our values with us.

A Movement, Not Just a Service

Awhimai Advocacy isn’t just here for the moment things fall apart — we’re here to help rebuild. We’re here to uplift. To remind people of their strength, their worth, and their right to be treated fairly.

Our dream is bigger than case-by-case support. We want to be part of a wider movement for change — a future where respectful, mana-enhancing workplaces are the norm, not the exception.

You’re Not Alone — We’re Here

If you’re navigating a tough time at work, or you’re part of a team trying to do better — reach out. We’re here to listen. To advocate. To walk alongside you.

Let’s build better workplaces — together.