By Kate Love

There’s a beautiful Māori concept that I became familiar with during my time in New Zealand, called manaakitanga (pronounced mah-nah-ah-kee-tah-ngah). It translates to hospitality, kindness, generosity and support. This value is deeply ingrained in Māori culture and reflects the act of extending care, generosity and hospitality to others. It’s about making people feel welcome, appreciated and ensuring their wellbeing.

During my time in New Zealand, I experienced manaakitanga in its purest form. In my travels around Te Waipounamu, the South Island, it was evident in the way people welcomed me. It wasn’t just a warm smile or a shared story - it was the warmth in their conversation, the genuine interest in my wellbeing and the feeling of being part of the community, even for a short time.

The Māori Philosophy of Care

In Māori culture, manaakitanga is not just about hosting or offering a meal. It’s about showing respect, kindness and empathy for others. It is a value that permeates everyday interactions, whether you’re with family, friends or strangers. It’s about making sure people feel seen, no matter who they are.

When I think about the times I experienced manaakitanga, I recall the simple yet profound moments that made me feel like I truly belonged. The warm hospitality of New Zealanders, who often invited me to share a meal or a conversation, created a sense of community that was impossible to ignore.

Manaakitanga in Everyday Life

Manaakitanga isn’t something confined to major events, but rather a way of living that can be experienced in the smallest, simplest acts. I remember wandering through local markets in New Zealand, chatting with the vendors who took the time to tell me about the produce and where it came from. There was an openness, a willingness to share not just their goods, but their stories as well.

It wasn’t just the grand gestures, like offering me a place to stay, but the little things - the smile from a stranger, the way people in the community took care of each other - that made me feel like I was part of something bigger. I knew I was being cared for, not out of obligation, but because manaakitanga is simply a way of life.

Does Manaakitanga Create Happiness?

In many ways, I see manaakitanga as the foundation of happiness. Not happiness in the fleeting sense of getting what we want, but a deeper sense of contentment that comes from feeling connected to others and being part of a community. Manaakitanga isn’t about accumulating things or accolades - it’s about making meaningful connections, showing up for others, and being present for them.

Through embracing manaakitanga, I learned that happiness often comes not from seeking pleasure, but from building relationships that are founded on respect and care.

A thoughtful gesture, a listening ear or a helping hand can go further than we realise in creating a sense of belonging and community.

Manaakitanga for All Seasons

Just as the seasons change, manaakitanga can be lived out throughout the year. It’s a value that transcends any one moment, becoming something that shapes our daily lives. Whether it’s in summer, with long days spent gathering with friends and family, or in winter, offering a warm cup of tea to someone who’s feeling alone, manaakitanga is about recognising that kindness is needed at every moment, in every season.

For me, it’s about always taking the time to be present, to offer a hand when needed and to genuinely care for others. In a world that can often feel rushed and disconnected, manaakitanga is a gentle reminder that we’re all part of something bigger, and the simple act of looking after each other can lead to the deepest sense of fulfilment.

10 Ways to Embrace Manaakitanga

Here are ten simple ways you can bring manaakitanga into your life:

Share a meal: Invite others to your table, whether family, friends or strangers.
Offer a smile: A warm, genuine smile can brighten someone’s day and make them feel valued.
Listen attentively: Be present with others when they speak. Show them they matter.
Be generous: Offer your time, help or resources to those in need.
Create a welcoming environment: Make others feel at ease in your space by showing care and attention to their comfort.
Give without expecting: Offer kindness with no strings attached - just for the sake of being kind.
Extend your kindness to strangers: You never know how a simple act of kindness can make a difference.
Support local communities: Get involved in your community by giving back through volunteering or helping those who need it.
Show empathy: Recognise the struggles of others and offer support, understanding that everyone faces challenges.
Be open to receiving: Embrace kindness from others with gratitude, understanding that we all need care at times.

A Life of Generosity

Living with manaakitanga isn’t just about the big acts, but incorporating kindness into our daily lives. It’s the small things that make the biggest impact. A thoughtful gesture, a listening ear or a helping hand can go further than we realise in creating a sense of belonging and community.

Manaakitanga teaches us that happiness is found in the connections we make, the care we show and the generosity we extend to others. It reminds me that kindness, whether given or received, is a powerful force that brings people together and helps us navigate life with more understanding and compassion.

For me, the lessons I learned from manaakitanga are ones I carry with me daily. It’s a reminder to slow down, to be kind and to never underestimate the power of small acts of care.

Words by Kate Love

Manaakitanga: The Power of Small Acts of Care