We have a good reputation. New Zealanders are generally known as friendly, hardworking and laid back. But live here for a while and you’ll also discover we have a bad habit of criticising one another. This criticism can range from good-natured ribbing amongst friends to brutal slurs towards strangers on Facebook and everything in between.
Otherwise known as the Tall Poppy Syndrome, this culture of criticism is so entrenched in our society that individuals self-deprecate in order to beat others to the punch (so to speak). We have become our own harshest critic and we live with the erroneous belief that, somehow, your success is a threat to mine. But just because something is, doesn’t mean it should be.
Our song is enjoyed by tamariki up to Year 8 and embraces the kaupapa of E Tū Tāngata. We all know that music and singing helps to instill ideas into the heart of a child like no other learning tool does. As each child shouts out 'I have value' and sings 'I lift you up, you lift me up and we will rise together', the idea will become part of them and they will take these values with them as they negotiate their lives.
We would like to thank Junior Tana, our te reo Māori advisor.
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