Understanding MANA Values

Curriculum Area: Health & Physical Education (NZC Level 4)

Strand: Personal Health & Physical Development
Achievement Objective:

• Identify personal qualities that contribute to leadership.
• Understand how leadership fosters inclusivity and well-being.
• Apply MANA values to develop confident and respectful leaders.

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Lesson Overview

This 45-minute lesson introduces Year 8 students to the five core MANA values (Mana Ukaipo, Mana Whānau, Mana Tū, Mana Motuhake, and Mana Tangatarua) and their significance in shaping leadership. Students will explore how these values influence personal and organisational leadership styles, with interactive discussions and activities to foster self-awareness and inclusivity.

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Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Identify the five MANA values and their meaning in leadership.
2. Understand the significance of each value in personal and group leadership.
3. Apply MANA values to real-life leadership scenarios.
4. Evaluate how MANA values create inclusive and respectful communities.
5. Create leadership actions that uphold the principles of MANA in daily life.

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Lesson Plan

1. Introduction / Karakia & Whakawhanaungatanga (5 mins)

• Karakia Timatanga: Open with a brief karakia to set intentions for learning and create a supportive environment.
• Whakawhanaungatanga Icebreaker:
  • Ask students to share one leadership quality they admire in someone they know.
  • Discuss answers as a class and link them to MANA values (e.g., "They are kind—this reflects Mana Whānau").

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2. Understanding MANA Values (10 mins)

Introduce the five MANA values using a structured approach:

• Mana Ukaipo – Connection to place and belonging.
• Mana Whānau – Strength in relationships and family support.
• Mana Tū – Courage and resilience.
• Mana Motuhake – Independence and self-determination.
• Mana Tangatarua – Navigating multiple cultural worlds with respect.

Activity:

• Present a MANA Leadership Matrix on the board with each value.
• Students write a one-sentence definition for each value in their own words to connect personally.

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3. Leadership in Action (10 mins)

Students explore leadership through the lens of MANA values:

• Break into small groups.
• Each group receives a leadership scenario (e.g., a student standing up for a friend, making fair decisions in a team).
• They must:
  1. Identify which MANA values apply.
  2. Discuss how the leader can apply this value to the situation.
  3. Present their leadership response to the class.

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4. Reflect & Apply (15 mins)

Step 1: Leadership Self-Reflection (5 mins)

• Students reflect on their own leadership style by responding to:
  • "Which MANA value do I show naturally?"
  • "Which one do I want to develop more?"

Step 2: Create Personal Leadership Actions (10 mins)

• Students write a Mana Leadership Commitment, listing:
  • One MANA value to focus on this term.
  • A leadership action they will take to embody this value.
• Volunteers share their commitments with the class.

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5. Closing / Karakia Whakamutunga (5 mins)

• Class Discussion: "How can applying MANA values strengthen our school community?"
• Karakia Whakamutunga: Close with a karakia, reinforcing the importance of respect and leadership.

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Assessment & Reflection

• Formative Assessment: Observe student discussions and engagement in activities.
• Summative Reflection: Students submit their Mana Leadership Commitment for feedback.

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Teacher’s Notes & Extension Ideas

• Cultural Integration: Encourage Māori students to share perspectives on MANA values in their whānau.
• Cross-curricular Links: Connect MANA values to Social Studies by exploring historical leaders in Aotearoa.
• Extension Task: Challenge students to role-play leadership conflicts and apply MANA values as solutions.

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Why This Lesson Matters

This lesson not only teaches leadership but embeds cultural awareness, emotional intelligence, and inclusivity—ensuring students develop into respectful leaders within their schools and communities. Through interactive discussions and real-world scenarios, students not only learn about leadership but experience it in action.

End of Lesson Plan