The Hub recognises Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the founding document of Aotearoa (NZ) and Te Kawerau ā Maki as mana whenua of our area.

We will acknowledge this by using original Māori place names wherever we can, using Te Reo Māori appropriately, including karakia in meetings, and fostering a close reciprocal relationship with Te Kawerau ā Maki (including seeking input, guidance and meaningful engagement with them).  

NB Clear roles, purposes and an overall vision for the Hub are currently still works in progress, so watch this space 😊!  

In the meantime:

The Hub may at times provide a conduit for communicating with the Council about local affairs. However, we cannot speak ‘on behalf’ of Te Henga, as our community contains a multitude of voices.  

The Hub is non-party political. Although members might at times be part of campaigns that are ‘political’ in nature, we do not align with any one political party. Instead, we seek to pursue what fosters wellbeing, community and sustainability locally, through whatever avenues are appropriate.

We recognise our privilege in living in the unique natural landscape of Te Henga, and that we have a responsibility for acting to protect nature.

The Hub’s activities will aim to be as environmentally conscious as possible, and we will seek ways to support our Valley to become increasingly sustainable.

All voices in the Hub matter and are considered as equal, no matter how much or little that person can contribute.

Similarly, all contributions are honoured as equal, however big or small.

Participation is on a contribute what you can, take what you need basis.  It’s okay if sometimes you need more support (in any form) from the group, and are able to contribute less!  Please do ask if there is something you think the Hub can help you with.

Participants in the Hub will strive to treat each other in a way that is kind, caring and respectful.

It can be hard to interact with those with very different viewpoints from ours, so we will to our best to communicate respectfully around difficult topics!

We also acknowledge that it might take work sometimes to keep the space safe, and we’ll work together to find helpful ways of doing this.

The Hub is a co-created venture, and we are all equally responsible for generating it in the way that we want it to be.  If you want to see something happen locally, please reach out to the Hub to see if we can support you in achieving it. And if there is something you don’t agree with, please feel free to speak up in a respectful way.

Our yes is a yes and our no is a no. It is fine to say no to doing something. However, if you have committed to a role or activity, please be accountable for that. If something happens to stop you doing what you have agreed to, that’s fine (life happens)! But please communicate with the relevant people, so an alternative arrangement can be made.

Participation in the Hub should be fun, social and inspirational as far as possible.

Some of the topics the Hub was created to respond to (e.g. extreme weather events, environmental destruction, global instability) are potentially demoralising. Part of the antidote to this (whilst not bypassing the challenges) is simply to have fun connecting and working together in positive and enjoyable ways. Coming together to celebrate and create (for all age groups) is a great way to build community! 

Taking part in Hub activities is on a no pressure basis. Lives tend to be busy in the modern world, so no one should feel pressured to take on anything that will make them feel overloaded.

We will strive to look out for our own and each other’s wellbeing, and seek active ways to support this when needed.