Recognising Te Tiriti
Jolts’ work upholds Te Tiriti o Waitangi and recognises Māori as Tangata Whenua. We are committed to partnership, protection, and participation, and to embedding Te Ao Māori values within our organisational practice, relationships, and creative work.
Dancer centered practice: Jolt tutors recognise the strength of each dancer individually, building trust, and enabling self-expression. Through this kaupapa dancers are not defined by their challenges but by their mauri, joy and potential
Culture: Jolt recognises and fosters dancers’ cultural heritage and whakapapa, creating spaces for them to tell their own stories
Disability Leadership: Dancers voices are empowered and achievements are honoured in ways that affirm tino rangatiratanga, mana and belonging
Community: Jolt works to strengthen relationships with whanau and community in ways that uphold Whanaungatanga and Manaakitanga (collective well-being)
Barriers: Jolt acknowledges and works to challenge ongoing barriers in health, disability and education systems often exacerbated by racism, ableism and underfunding. Jolt challenges views that see disability as a deficit, rather than as part of the natural diversity of life.
Jolt as a place of belonging: Staff, dancers, whanau and community work together with respect and openness
Authentic partnerships: Jolt recognises Māori as Tangata Whenua. Jolt seeks to build authentic relationships with iwi and engagement with Māori artists
