The Mana Moana Experience Programme
Drawing on heritage and traditions and incorporating a cultural narrative into an organisation can have many benefits. Leadership New Zealand’s The Mana Moana Experience is an integrated leadership programme targeted at mid-career Pasefika leaders. It brings together the experience, expertise and networks of Leadership New Zealand and a research-based, indigenous knowledge-derived specialist programme created out of the postdoctoral research by Dr. Karlo Mila (2013 Leadership New Zealand Alumna).
Already funded for delivery in the Auckland/Northland area by Foundation North, the J R McKenzie Trust has added its support so that Pasefika leaders outside of the original catchment area can take part in Mana Moana. The Trust’s Pacific Strategy and Engagement Lead, Sylvia Moe, explains why:
“Intentional investing in culturally appropriate leadership initiatives provides the philanthropic sector with greater potential for diverse opportunities to encourage equitable organisational outcomes. Investing in a leadership programme like Mana Moana helps to build and support a strong cohort of Pasefika leaders who can provide equally strong networks and mentors within many philanthropic organisation’s communities of interest.”
Through elevating and mobilising indigenous Pasefika language, knowledge, values, culture, and ways of understanding the world, Mana Moana operates within the context that Pasefika ancestral cultural resources are vital to realising meaning and success in life and leadership. Run over the course of eight months, it focuses on developing effective leaders who have a strong awareness of issues facing Pasefika communities and Aotearoa New Zealand. It includes six three-day, live-in retreats and offers opportunities for participants to be inspired by on-the-ground innovation, leadership and solutions. Through a focus on personal development and progressing collective aspirations, the result is resilient, genuine and effective leaders. The next intake of Mana Moana participants will be in 2023.
Participants’ own words best illustrate the impact of this programme:
“Mana Moana was a profound and deeply enriching experience that impacted both my professional and personal life. What I learned gave me the language and framework around ancient wisdoms that our people left behind as markers to help us find our way. It has helped me support my team better, and it has strengthened my family relationships. I feel that I understand myself better and where I am going, and that I have become a more intentional person because of it.”
Emelita Rosita Selena Simeaanamulu Silupevaelei Luisi – QSM, 2019 Alumna
“Mana Moana and the precious time spent with fellow participants offered insights into what kind of leader I could be and needed to be. I am more comfortable in my skin than I have ever been professionally as my experience continues to resonate through my conscience and leadership in the workplace, community and family, and my appreciation for it continues to grow.”
Rob Luisi, 2020 Alumnus
The J R McKenzie Trust is looking forward to supporting more Pasefika leaders to share in the valuable outcomes of Mana Moana.