When the programme ended there were 114 community people from diverse backgrounds operating as Taku Manawa human rights advocates and facilitators across seven regions of the country. They represented 112 civil society organisations and had facilitated over 490 community-based human rights activities/interventions (that had been reported to the Commission). People at the ground level were the real movers and shakers. (Taku Manawa, Aotearoa New Zealand) During the 11 years it was facilitated, the human rights community-led development approach was constantly monitored, evaluated, adapted and expanded. In 2011 a new programme was piloted which explored human rights through a kaupapa Māori (indigenous) framework. Tūhonohono Māori linked the human rights values and principles that are an integral part of traditional Māori society and customs alongside the human rights dimension of the Treaty of Waitangi and the international human rights framework. Extensive reporting occurred during the life of Taku Manawa – too much to detail in this Guide. However a few points are worth mentioning. What worked well? • taking time to develop and nurture trusting relationships in each community • learning about the community – its cultures and ways of doing things • replacing being a top-down ‘trainer’ with being a bottom-up ‘facilitator’ • being prepared to be led by the community • resisting using imposed ‘human rights’ concepts – rather using language and concepts that made sense to the community • engaging all levels and functions of the Commission, eg assigning a sponsoring Commissioner and having liaison people in each division • recognising the value of Taku Manawa facilitators to addressing human rights priorities • committing for the long haul. [TM Facilitator] is now part of a police national focus group developing a strategy to integrate human rights into police practices. (Taku Manawa, New Zealand) What were some of the challenges? • committing adequate time, resources • having competent staff able to facilitate a HRCLD approach • ensuring accountability to communities once relationships and activities are initiated • as it can continue over several years, HRCLD can be exposed to changing NHRI leadership and priorities. Be open about this possibility with communities and, if it happens, try to factor in a withdrawal plan that doesn’t leave the community more vulnerable. More detailed information about these projects can be found in: • Taku Manawa – Human Rights in the regions pilot project (2008) • Taku Manawa – Building Human Rights Communities (2011) APF HRCLD Guide 55