Reciprocity, Rugby, and Relationships

In the world of cultural engagement, reciprocity isn’t just a value; it’s a way of showing up. When we visited Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops earlier this year, it was to stand behind one of our own. Now, as Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei welcomed First Nations teams from Canada to Aotearoa, we were there again; because when they’re here, we are too.

Last week’s rugby match at Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei wasn’t just about the game. It was about the chants that echoed across the field, the laughter of tamariki, and the quiet moments where friendships were deepened over shared kai. It was also about ensuring that the spirit of manaakitanga; so central to our work at RCP; was lived and felt.

For our Assistant Project Managers: Josh Kirwan, Rosie Argyle-Wright, and Bella Curtis; it was a chance to see first-hand the depth of relationship-building that underpins much of what we do. These behind-the-scenes moments matter. They are where trust is built, where young leaders learn that cultural engagement is as much about showing up on a cold winter’s night as it is about sitting at a boardroom table.