Code Of Conduct

WHAKAMANA CODE OF CONDUCT

Whakamana is more than a place to dance. It is a space built on trust. Every person who walks through the door — whether it is your first night or your fiftieth — deserves to feel safe, respected, and free to be themselves.

Whakamana means authority, voice, and empowerment. That is not just a name — it is the standard we hold ourselves to. This Code of Conduct is not a list of rules handed down from above. It is the agreement every teen attending makes with every other person in this space.

1 --> RESPECT THE SPACE

This venue is ours to use because we take care of it. Treat every part of the building — the floors, bathrooms, and walls — with the same respect you would want shown to something that belongs to you. Clean up after yourself. Do not damage anything. If something breaks or goes wrong, tell a staff member immediately.

2 --> RESPECT EVERY PERSON

Every person who comes to Whakamana deserves to be treated with respect. No bullying, put-downs, or exclusion — in person or online. No comments about how someone looks, dances, dresses, or who they are. If you would not want it said to you, do not say it to someone else. This applies at Whakamana and in related group chats or social spaces.

3 --> KEEP YOUR HANDS TO YOURSELF

On the dance floor and everywhere else, physical contact is only okay when both people are clearly comfortable with it. No grabbing, pushing, or touching anyone without their consent. If someone tells you to stop — you stop. No exceptions and no arguments.

4 --> ZERO SUBSTANCES

No alcohol, vaping, or drugs — period. Arrive impaired and you will be asked to leave. This is a space for teens, and it will stay that way. This rule protects every teen and adult in the building.

5 --> SPEAK UP

If you see something that makes someone uncomfortable — a situation, comment, or behavior — tell a staff member. You do not have to handle it yourself. Speaking up is not snitching. It is helping protect the space that everyone worked to build. Your voice matters here. Use it.

6 --> OWN YOUR ACTIONS

Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is what you do next. If you hurt someone — intentionally or not — own it. Apologize directly. Make it right. When appropriate, you will have the chance to do that before further action is taken. What we will not accept is denial, deflection, or making excuses.

7 --> USE YOUR PHONE RESPONSIBLY

You can have your phone. What you cannot do is film, photograph, or livestream other teens or families without their permission, or post them anywhere without their knowledge. People come here to dance and be themselves — not to end up on social media without knowing it. Ask first. Always follow any event-specific media guidance.

8 --> FOLLOW STAFF DIRECTION

When a staff member asks you to do something, do it. Staff are there to help the event run responsibly and to respond when something needs attention. If you disagree with a call, talk to them calmly after the moment has passed. Arguing, ignoring, or escalating in the moment is not acceptable and may result in you being asked to leave.

9 --> ARRIVE AND LEAVE ON TIME

Check the current event page for the doors-open time, last-entry time if applicable, dance-end time, and latest-pickup time.

Your ride must be here on time. Confirm your pickup plan with your parent or guardian before you arrive. Whakamana cannot provide transportation or ongoing after-hours supervision. If a pickup issue occurs, the parent or guardian listed on the event registration will be contacted while staff follow the venue’s approved safety procedures.

10 --> BE SOMEONE OTHERS WANT TO BE AROUND

Cheer for people. Make space for the new person. Bring energy that lifts the room. Be the reason someone has a good night. You are here because you chose to be part of this space, and every teen can help hold this standard. Staff will support the room, but each person is responsible for their own choices.

CONSEQUENCES

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE CODE IS BROKEN?

We believe in giving people the chance to make things right. Many situations can be handled with a direct conversation first. However, physical aggression, substance use, harassment, serious misconduct, or repeated violations may result in immediate removal from the event and restriction from future Whakamana events.

We do not take these steps lightly. We take them because every person in this space deserves to feel safe — and that is non-negotiable. Any admission-refund policy will be posted with the relevant event.

THIS IS YOUR SPACE. PROTECT IT.

Whakamana exists because teens in this community deserve a place that is theirs — a place built on trust, respect, and the belief that young people are capable of holding themselves to a high standard. Every teen who agrees to this Code helps make that real.

We cannot wait to see you on the floor.

Join the W.A.V.E –> Whakamana | Authority | Voice | Empowerment

QUICK LINKS

OPENING HOURS

Join our newsletter to hear about upcoming dance nights, themes, RSVP links, and special events.