Honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi in the LEO Programme
The LEO programme is an international leadership programme developed over 40 years ago in the United States by a nurse academic, designed in healthcare, for healthcare. The programme is franchised, with the Conceptual Framework copyrighted to ensure the integrity and consistency of its core principles.
While the framework remains consistent internationally, the programme allows for — and expects — responsiveness to national and cultural context. In Aotearoa, this means acknowledging Te Tiriti o Waitangi, recognising Māori as Tangata Whenua, and reflecting this understanding in how the programme is facilitated.
We do not position ourselves as experts in Te Ao Māori or the application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Instead, we approach this work with humility, recognising that this is an ongoing learning journey. Our facilitation continues to develop as our understanding deepens, guided by reflection, partnership, and feedback.
In 2023, Mana Hazel was engaged as our LEO Cultural Advisor after completing the LEO programme himself. Together, we worked through the programme using a Te Ao Māori lens, intentionally weaving Māori leadership theory, te reo Māori, and concepts such as whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and kotahitanga throughout the programme content and facilitation.
The LEO programme itself aligns strongly with these values through its emphasis on wondering, holding, attuning, and following. These concepts support meaningful relationships not only within teams and organisations, but also in the therapeutic relationships healthcare professionals hold with patients and whānau.
Participants are provided with further reading and research related to Māori leadership theory and indigenous research approaches. For those seeking full immersion Māori leadership programmes, we are happy to provide additional information and referrals.
We remain committed to facilitating the LEO programme in ways that are respectful, responsive, and appropriate to the unique cultural context of Aotearoa, and we welcome ongoing kōrero as part of this evolving practice.
