Following the whakataukī or proverb which opens and ends the Statement of Purpose of Whānau Mercy Ministries, explored in last month’s reflection, come four guiding principles of tikanga Mercy. They answer the question of what whānau Mercy stands for. ‘We are committed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the tradition of Catherine McAuley, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the sacredness of all creation.’ The four principles are listed, not in order of importance but as equally significant, such that if any one were missing, the identity of the entire Mercy whānau would be at risk.