What Every New Zealander Can Learn From Their Local Marae

What Every New Zealander Can Learn From Their Local Marae

Being part of community life on a marae is an extraordinary, educational and enriching experience that must be preserved for future generations of New Zealanders.

With the 10th series of AIA Marae DIY now on air, AIA New Zealand chief executive Wayne Besant shares his own marae experience and the profound impact that this sponsorship has had on his people.

Mr Besant, whose company has been involved with AIA Marae DIY for several years, talked about the first time he spoke on marae.

"I was 17 years old and head boy at Tuakau College in South Auckland. One of my responsibilities on marae was to address the community, in Te Reo of course. That is where my love of Maori culture and language began.”

When the opportunity arose for his staff to participate in the AIA Marae DIY rebuilds, Besant jumped at it. "Doing real mahi with the communities you serve creates a personal connection to their cause. Without exception, every one of my people involved has been profoundly touched by the experience."

Speaking of his time on marae, Vaughn from Hamilton said, “I have never been so proud to be a Kiwi. I worked with such fantastic people and am truly grateful for the opportunity to experience such amazing community spirit. It was worth the sore back 1,000 times over.”

Equally important has been the cultural environment that has developed internally, Mr Besant says, "We have a very diverse team of at least 17 ethnicities, but we are all united by our passion for New Zealand. A greater appreciation of Maori culture has not only strengthened our bond - it has created a demand from staff to learn more. As part of our commitment to this we are holding Te Reo workshops for everyone in the company. We also celebrate our Asian heritage, most recently through our sponsorship of the inaugural Taniwha & Dragon Festival in Auckland - and indeed we embrace the many other cultures our people represent."

As for business outcomes, he credited such opportunities for cultural connection as a differentiator when it comes to staff engagement. "AIA New Zealand enjoyed a significant 20% increase in staff engagement last year – in fact, we have become a role model for the AIA Group, which operates in 15 other countries across the Asia Pacific region. Our engagement results are also favourable to other New Zealand companies in the same Gallup survey."

With the rebuilding of 77 marae throughout New Zealand now complete, Besant applauded the efforts of iwi and their local communities in preserving their unique heritage for future generations.

"Marae welcome all and offer communities the chance to experience Maori culture and traditions that are unique and relevant to the local iwi and whanau. This leads to a better understanding of both Maori and shared local heritage - and invariably, a stronger community. It has been a privilege to be involved.”

The 10th series of AIA Marae DIY is on air each Wednesday at 8.30pm on Maori Television.

About AIA New Zealand
AIA New Zealand is a member of the AIA Group. AIA is listed on the Main Board of the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited as stock code 1299.

Since the company arrived in New Zealand in 1981, AIA New Zealand has consistently provided the market with innovative personal and business insurance products that suit the Kiwi way of life. Today AIA offer a complete range of risk management products that focus on the needs of customers.

AIA New Zealand is based in Auckland with regional offices in Wellington, Hamilton and Christchurch. However, through a network of financial advisers, AIA reaches every corner of the country.

AIA New Zealand is a member of the Financial Services Council (FSC), the Insurance and Savings Ombudsman Scheme (ISO) and the Health Funds Association of New Zealand (HFANZ).

ENDS

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