“It is about respect, compassion, and engagement, honouring all people while simultaneously acknowledging the unique role of Māori as tangata whenua,” she says. “Guided by Article 3 of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, our Tiriti Policy commits Dempsey Wood to act in good faith and set the intention to ‘work together on tomorrow.’”

The Tiriti Policy was developed in consultation with several groups within Dempsey Wood, including Manaaki Tangata, its Māori-led and focused support group, senior leaders, and broader staff. It was presented to the workforce through multiple platforms, communicated both onsite and within the offices through toolbox briefings and workshops, and conveyed through email, social media, and quarterly newsletters.

The organisation’s learning management system provides an introduction to tikanga, information on engagement with Māori, and learning resources about the policy and how to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

“We hold workshops for our staff on Te Tiriti o Waitangi to ensure that our team understands the importance of upholding the partnership between tangata whenua and tangata tiriti. Critical components of these workshops include understanding how to be a good treaty partner and the consistent development of cultural competency,” says Sophia.

In order to support the policy, while also providing genuine advancement for staff, Dempsey Wood recently established Whakapuāwai, a Māori cadetship programme, to grow Māori staff into leadership roles through a te ao Māori and tikanga lens.

There has been significant support for the policy, from employees through to shareholders, with leadership promoting and supporting the initiatives.

Project Manager Richard Bresgi says upskilling in tikanga has positively impacted his professional relationships.