Our Values
NGĀ MĀTĀPONO: THE VALUES WE UPHOLD
Māori values are instruments by which Māori people view, interpret and make sense of the world. The universal values and beliefs are centered around land, water, and air as the essential ingredients of life that are to be respected, cherished, and sustained. We operate in accordance with Maori Values. Cathedral Cove Kayaks is committed to respectfully incorporating Maori principles and values into our business practices. We’re guided by the three core Māori values of Manaakitanga (hospitality and the act of caring for a person’s mana), Kaitiakitanga (guardianship and the connection between people and the natural world) and Whanaungatanga (relationships and feeling a sense of belonging).
Manaakitanga – Unique New Zealand hospitality
Loosely translated as hospitality, manaakitanga plays a key role in Māori society and inspires the New Zealand visitor experience – summing up the act of welcoming and sharing. For New Zealand’s Māori people, being hospitable, looking after visitors and caring how others are treated – no matter what their standing in society – is of prime importance.
The traditional value of manaakitanga in Māori culture has had a positive influence on the unique Kiwi-style hospitality that makes a New Zealand visit memorable. As is the case with many Māori words – the meaning of manaakitanga is much broader than a one word or direct translation. It can be broken down into three parts: mana-ā-ki which loosely translates as ‘the power of the word’ and reminds hosts to be expressive and fluent in welcoming visitors. Visitors to Cathedral Cove Kayaks are treated with respect and compassion every time. We aim to provide a warm and welcoming environment where our guests can take part in new activities, enjoy new company and make new friends.
Kaitiakitanga – A sense of guardianship and protection for our land
A kaitiaki is a guardian. This can be a person or group that cares for an area such as a lake or forest. Kaitiakitanga means guardianship and protection, a deep kinship between humans and the natural world. It is a way of managing the environment, based on the Māori world view. It does not focus on ownership, but on authority and responsibility. Kaitiakitanga is concerned with both sustainability of the environment and the utilisation of its benefits. At Cathedral Cove Kayaks we directly interact with the natural world every day. We have a deep respect for the ocean and strive to protect and preserve it for generations to come. As school children we are taught ‘Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children’. We believe we have a responsibility to respect and nurture our natural environment and where possible we aim to leave it a better state than when we arrived.
Whanaungatanga
Whanaungatanga is about relationships and feeling a sense of belonging. A sea kayaking adventure is an amazing way to connect with likeminded travellers and meet the locals.
The staff at Cathedral Cove Kayaks aim to create a comfortable and inclusive environment where guests can relax, be themselves and share their story. We are ‘people people’ who enjoy interacting with others. We are friendly and compassionate people who pride ourselves on delivering unifying and fulfilling tours every time.
Bookings essential:
(online bookings recommended)
Freephone 0800 529 258
Int 0064 7 866 3877
Text: 0274 430266
Email: info@kayaktours.co.nz
We accept Visa, Mastercard, Eftpos, Cash, Apple Pay & Google Pay.
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