Foundations
Guiding Principles and Ethical Foundations
Our Ethos
Our work is rooted in the belief that every child has the right to grow up in a clean, healthy, and sustainable world.
This principle – affirmed by the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child – guides everything we do.
Today’s young people are inheriting the consequences of social and environmental decisions they did not make. We are therefore committed to equipping them with the knowledge and platforms to speak out, take action, and shape a future that reflects their values and visions.
Societal Context
Consciousness and care for all elements of Te Taiao are deeply embedded in the cultural identity of Aotearoa – prior to and in the years since the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi.
The importance of societal shifts to institutionalise these values – for both environmental stability and human wellbeing – cannot be overstated.
Through promoting empathy, critical thinking, and objective reasoning among young people, we aim to support the development of informed and responsible citizens capable of distinguishing genuine scientific findings from misinformation. This approach is the opposite of indoctrination, which relies upon the uncritical acceptance of a set of beliefs.
Social stability depends upon open dialogue and intergenerational equity, and in light of this, we recognise learning journeys as bidirectional, with the perspectives of tamariki and rangatahi being equally beneficial to adults’ understandings as the other way around.
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Climate change is a worldwide problem that affects each and every one of us. Our voices are important too, and I hope we can continue to contribute in the future.”
NATE, YEAR 9
Addressing Nelson City Council
Symbolism
The Lighthouse Aotearoa name and logo bear the following symbolic elements:
The lighthouse itself provides shelter – a safe and judgment-free space where Te Ao Māori and other Indigenous worldviews are embraced, and curiosity and introspection are celebrated.
Its beam is he rama arahi – a guiding light offering hope and direction, aiding in the avoidance of rough seas and rocky shores through imagination, collective philosophy, and solidarity.
The organisation is grounded within Te Tauihu - the home of iconic lighthouses including at Farewell Spit, Whakatū Boulder Bank, Kahurangi Point, and Takapourewa | Stephens Island.
