The key question motivating E Tū Tāngata is, ‘How do you change a culture of criticism and negativity that has been internalised and perpetuated generationally in New Zealand?’ E Tū Tāngata (Stand Together) is an organisation directly addressing this implicit social norm, otherwise known as Tall Poppy Syndrome (TPS).

No, E Tū Tāngata is not a programme, but rather a mindset. It is about initiating a cultural change. Over the last five years, we have been working with schools and communities to implement three key conversations – we call them ‘strands’: (1) You Have Value; (2) We Succeed Together; and (3) Others Matter.

E Tū Tāngata inspires everyday, authentic connections. We recognise that every school is different and has its own unique culture. Your young people need genuine, thought-provoking conversations and activities about the way things are and the way they would like things to be. Rather than providing standardised material, E Tū Tāngata complements your school environment by providing a range of resources via our online kete (pick and choose, or create your own!) to help you start those crucial conversations.

If you’re born and bred in New Zealand, chances are you’ve participated in TPS to a greater or lesser degree. Do a quick stocktake. Have you ever been unreasonably jealous of someone else’s success? Have you ever accused anyone of having a ‘big head’ or used the phrase ‘try-hard’? Or, have you downplayed your own achievements or struggled to receive a compliment? Have a careful listen in the playground and you’ll probably find that your young people are speaking the same messages over themselves and their peers. We know that none of these choices or reactions are healthy or helpful.

Our dream is to shift this culture and instead, create an Aotearoa that affirms intrinsic worth, builds resilience and develops strong bonds within our communities. It’s audacious, but we consider it both a privilege and – because we cannot unsee it – a responsibility for future generations.