Te tukanga
How it Works
A simple pathway for seeing, testing and valuing relational impact.
Six steps, in order
The method moves from understanding context to tracing pathways, defining the change, finding signals, testing evidence — and only then valuing what can be defended.
- 01Context
Start with the kaupapa, people, place and relationships.
- 02Pathways
Trace how value may move.
- 03Constructs
Define the specific change.
- 04Signals
Look for signs that the pathway is present.
- 05Evidence
Test the strength of the evidence.
- 06Value
Value what can be defended.
Step by step
Start with the kaupapa, people, place and relationships.
Who is involved? What matters here? What is the history, place, obligation and future concern?
Trace how value may move.
Does value stay with the direct participant, or does it move through whānau, household routines, community, institutions, te taiao or future generations?
Define the specific change.
Instead of a broad phrase like “mana restored”, ask what can be observed: stronger participation, reduced whakamā, restored hosting capacity, or greater decision authority.
Look for signs that the pathway is present.
Signals might include stories, survey responses, behaviour change, records, photos, attendance, reduced crisis events, ecological indicators, or changes in institutional practice.
Test the strength of the evidence.
Is the change directly observed? Is it supported by whānau evidence, project data, Māori-governed interpretation, research or comparison data? What remains uncertain?
Value what can be defended.
Where a pathway can be bounded and defended, it may be quantified or monetised. Where value is important but not ready to monetise, it should still be named and developed rather than treated as zero.
Do not price the concept — value the pathway
Māori concepts are not turned into dollar amounts. The method values the observable pathways that may arise when those concepts are upheld in practice.
Wider, not looser
The principle that holds it together.
Working alongside existing methods
Whakapapa Economics can work alongside existing impact, social value and cost-benefit methods. It does not replace their disciplines. It helps improve the starting point by asking whether the value boundary is too narrow.