Interpretation of
Speak up Safely
Ka whai mana ōu
kupu Definitions of
inappropriate
behaviour and
bullying
We asked Graham Bidois Cameron, Interim
Pou Tikanga, Māori Health Gains and
Development, to give us a te reo interpretation
of Speak up Safely. Bullying
Ka whai mana ōu kupu
Your words will have power and authority.
Mana is the power that we use to make decisions, to move forward
and to enhance ourselves and others.
Words have the power to enhance or diminish mana; in this
statement we assure our staff that their words will be regarded and
respected.
That all have the power and authority to speak is at the heart of a
safe community.
Workplace bullying is: repeated and unreasonable behaviour
directed towards a worker or a group of workers that can lead to
physical or psychological harm.
Repeated behaviour is persistent (occurs more than once) and
can involve a range of actions over time.
Unreasonable behaviour means actions that a reasonable
person in the same circumstances would see as unreasonable.
It includes victimising, humiliating, intimidating or threatening a
person.
Bullying may also include harassment, discrimination or violence.
Preventing and Responding to Bullying at Work, Worksafe, March 2017.
Inappropriate Behaviour
Inappropriate behaviour is described as one off acts of
unwelcome behaviour which fall outside accepted norms, and
which cause distress to, or diminish the target.
Speak up
Safely
The acts may be unintended rudeness or deliberately unkind.
At the BOPDHB, we don’t consider a single incident of
unreasonable behaviour to be bullying but it could escalate, and
will impact on teamwork and safety, so it should be raised.
Creating a safe, happy & respectful workplace, BOPDHB, September 2017.
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Ka whai mana ōu kupu