Standard 2: Cultural Responsiveness and Inclusivity

Cultural responsiveness and inclusivity means recognising and respecting each client’s identity, values, cultural background, language preferences, and worldview. It involves using communication and assessment approaches that fit their cultural context and creating a safe, inclusive environment where people feel understood and free from judgement.

Mentors honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi by upholding partnership, participation, and protection particularly when working with Māori. This also includes acknowledging the diversity of money practices shaped by culture, such as collective responsibilities, whānau expectations, gifting, church commitments, and remittances.

Mentors avoid assumptions by asking, listening, and letting the client determine what matters to them, while actively working to support equitable outcomes by identifying barriers and advocating for fair and accessible systems.

In essence cultural responsiveness and inclusivity ensures financial mentoring is safe, respectful, relevant, and effective for every client, regardless of their background or identity.