Tackling Tall
Poppy Syndrome
to Transform Communities
Crab Mentality & New Zealand
It’s time to take a stand against Tall Poppy Syndrome in New Zealand and get out of the bucket.
What is E Tū Tāngata?
Tackling Tall Poppy Syndrome
We have a good reputation. New Zealanders are generally known as: friendly, hardworking and laid back. But live here for a while and you’ll also discover we have a bad habit of criticising one another. This criticism can range from good-natured ribbing amongst friends to brutal slurs towards strangers on Facebook and everything in between.
Otherwise known as the Tall Poppy Syndrome, this culture of criticism is so entrenched in our society that individuals self-deprecate in order to beat others to the punch (so to speak). We have become our own harshest critic and we live with the erroneous belief that, somehow, your success is a threat to mine.
But just because something is, doesn’t mean it should be.
Why use E Tū Tāngata?
To Transform Communities
E Tū Tāngata seeks to change the narrative. Instead of criticism (which can lead to damaging beliefs about yourself and others), we want to raise the bar. To believe that each individual has value, that we can succeed together and that others matter is at the core of E Tū Tāngata. We want to create a new script, whereby people can authentically E Tū Tāngata (Stand Together) in support of one another; this is about celebrating individual success and championing one another in pursuit of dreams and accomplishments.
We have always been a nation that rises to a challenge; tell us we can’t do something and we’ll create it out of number eight wire. So, let’s do this New Zealand. Let’s make Aotearoa a nation where each individual can hold their head high and be all that they can be, knowing that they have the applause (rather than the criticism) of their friends and family.
Because that will be a reputation worth having.
How does E Tū Tāngata Transform Communities?
3 Stages of E Tū Tāngata
Awareness “I see the issue”
We begin by recognising that Tall Poppy syndrome exists and help people see it’s a conversation that needs to be had.
This could be by sharing E Tū Tāngata materials.
Alignment “I think about how this can work”
Next we think about where we are and how we can do better as individuals, whānau, organisations and businesses with E Tū Tāngata principles.
This could be hanging up posters or becoming advocates of E Tū Tāngata.
Application “I apply this to everyday life”
Finally we apply the E Tū Tāngata mindset to our everyday experience.
This could be using the E Tū Tāngata toolkit plus developing our own resources.
Principles of E Tū Tāngata
E Tū Tāngata focuses on three core principles, encouraging personal reflection, group work and community contributions. The resource has been developed to take individuals and groups on a journey, focusing on the following principles:
Does it work?
Testimonial
E Tū Tāngata has been transformational in the way we approach wellbeing and relationships at Te Ahi Kaikōmako, Rolleston School.
E Tū Tāngata has given our school values new purpose as we focus on growing a shared mindset within our community where "You Have Value", We Succeed Together" and "Others Matter" underpin everything we do."
Simon Moriarty, Principal
Te Ahi Kaikōmako, Rolleston Primary School
At Alpine Spas we understand the value in creating a team that stands strong together and builds each other up.
A framework like E Tu Tangata is excellent, it provides simple and practical tools to help start you on the journey towards positive change; it will challenge your team and grow your business!
Simon Riddell, Managing Director
Alpine Spas
E Tū Tāngata encourages us to stand up, to stand together, and support one another. If we can bring to fruition even an ounce of what this statement intends, we will undoubtedly see a change in our own lives and in the lives of those around us.
E Tū Tāngata - let us stand together and work towards a future we can be proud of, let us build something our children and grandchildren can be proud of. Let us come together, be together, and grow together.
Junior Tana, Cultural Advisor
Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Kahu
When we first heard about E Tū Tāngata, we introduced the concept to our children who are 9, 7 and 5 years old. It was a way for our family to think of how we could be less focused on getting what we wanted from each other, and instead look to how we could lift one another up. If one of us puts another down, we reframe the moment and ask, ‘was that very E Tū Tāngata?’.
During meals, we go around the table and ask how we saw E Tū Tāngata being displayed at school, at work, or in our home. It is a great reminder for us all to keep each other in mind.
In the words of our 7 year old, 'E Tū Tāngata is a way to make other people feel good about themselves’.
Nick, Hannah, Lucas, Eleanor, Lydia (Ippolito Family)
Family in Nelson, NZ
