about

Te Kuaka NZA is an independent organisation promoting a progressive role for Aotearoa in the world.

Te Kuaka NZA was established by a group of New Zealanders with a commitment to an independent, values-driven foreign policy for our South Pacific nation – a New Zealand alternative.

The organisation works creatively and inclusively to discuss and shape an active international role for Aotearoa that honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi, challenges structures of power and inequality and promotes environmental and social justice.

Ko Ngā Whanonga Pono | OUR VALUES:

Whakapapa | Honouring relationships: Whakapapa means that we know who and where we come from, that we acknowledge that we are interconnected and that we are honourable in our interactions with others: spiritual beings, land, water, humans and all life.

Motuhaketanga | Independence: Motuhaketanga is our responsibility to act on our own mana in accordance with our own values, not to be swayed by interests imposed upon us. Motuhaketanga recognises the independence of Indigenous peoples and contributes to the restoration of their mana (mana whenua, mana moana, mana tangata).

Ako | Dialogue: Ako reminds us to listen, to be receptive, and to adapt as we interact with people, environments and kaupapa in Aotearoa and around the world, co-creating solutions to the challenges of our time.

Aroha | Loving energy: Aroha requires us to care for others, and to respond to urgent need. Aroha exists in reciprocal relationships, not relationships of dependency and domination.

Tika | Integrity: Tika requires us to operate with integrity, to rigorously seek knowledge, and to speak truth to power, particularly in areas over which we have influence.

Rongo | Peaceful balance: Rongo represents our absolute commitment to peace. We commit to fostering peace in ourselves, in our collectives and in our relations with others. This commitment requires us to be in tune with ourselves and each other, to be alert to power dynamics and to seek balance and understanding. The concept rongo (incorporating the english words peace and balance) reminds us that peace is not just the absence of physical violence but also the absence of exploitation. Peace is found in power-balanced relationships.

Kotahitanga | International solidarity: Kotahitanga recognises strength in unity. Our solidarity internationally gives us the power to resist imposition and restore justice, at home and abroad.

Steering Committee | OUR PEOPLE:

Kaimahi | OPERATIONS:

Nabilah Husna Binte Abdul Rahman - Communications Manager | Jan Rata - Operations Manager