Whakamana

Whakamana is a Māori term that refers to the authority, influence, and power that an individual or group holds within a community or society. The word is derived from the Māori root verb “whakamana”, meaning to empower or to give authority, and it is often used in contexts where leadership, responsibility, and legitimacy are discussed.

In traditional Māori society, whakamana is closely linked to the concepts of rangatira (chief) and rangatiratanga (self‑governance). A rangatira’s whakamana stems from whakapapa (genealogical descent), mana whenua (authority over land), and the capacity to act for the welfare of the hapū (sub‑tribe). The legitimacy of a rangatira’s role is reinforced by rituals such as tapu (sacredness) and the approval of elders (kaumātua).

The term is also used to describe the authority granted to tribal institutions, educational organisations, and governmental bodies in contemporary contexts. In New Zealand law and policy, whakamana may refer to the delegated powers of local councils and iwi (tribal) governance structures. The recognition of whakamana in legal frameworks underscores the importance of respecting Māori epistemologies and the principle of partnership.

Examples of whakamana in practice include the authority of a whānau (family) to make decisions about land use, the right of a marae (tribal meeting place) to set cultural protocols, and the capacity of a Māori organisation to negotiate treaties. By emphasising both responsibility and influence, whakamana encapsulates a holistic view of leadership that balances personal capability with communal accountability.