PONONGA

Truth

Pono relates to a perception of reality and is the basis of two principles - Tika and Aroha. Tika means to be ‘correct’ or right. Aroha encompasses affection, compassion, sacrifice and generosity. Pono essentially means to be truthful. Pono, tika and aroha are intrinsically tied to the concept of Mauri - ‘a shared origin of life force or principle’. Every living thing has a Mauri and it can be enhanced or protected by these three principles.

Pononga is an extension of pono which means to be living honestly and truthfully. It is being genuine and loyal in relation to others. It is a state of one mind - acknowledging the truth and living the truth.
(Excerpt from NIU - He Tangata Matauhi, Voices of our Ancestors)