Govt to Modernize Māori Development Strategy, Clarify Roles of Key Agencies

Te Arawhiti will continue as a departmental agency, focusing on advancing long-standing Treaty of Waitangi settlements and Takutai Moana applications.

The Government is set to overhaul its approach to Māori development, aiming to boost Māori economic growth by improving Māori GDP per capita, reducing regulatory hurdles, and enhancing access to capital.

“To position New Zealand as a leading small, advanced economy, we must work more effectively with Iwi and Māori organizations,” said Māori Development and Māori Crown Relations Minister Tama Potaka.

As part of this strategy, the Government will clarify the roles of Te Arawhiti and Te Puni Kōkiri to ensure each organization focuses on their distinct functions.

Te Arawhiti will continue as a departmental agency, focusing on advancing long-standing Treaty of Waitangi settlements and Takutai Moana applications.

Te Puni Kōkiri will shift its role to advise on policies that accelerate Māori economic development, support the revitalization of Māori language and culture, and enhance Māori social development through a social investment lens. The organization will employ the Treaty-based public policy framework Te Tautuhi ō Rongo to ensure the rights and interests of Iwi (as collectives) and Māori (as individuals) are adequately addressed. It will also monitor other agencies to ensure they deliver effective services to Māori.

“Addressing the productivity gaps between Māori and non-Māori will significantly boost the nation’s wealth. This will lead to more choices for whānau, increased employment and business opportunities, and more revenue for improved public services such as hospitals and schools,” Potaka said.

Examples like Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Tauhara North No 2 Trust, and PKW Incorporation in Taranaki demonstrate that when Māori thrive, the benefits extend to communities, regions, and the entire country.

Potaka noted extensive consultations with Iwi leaders over the past six months, who have supported the clarification of Te Puni Kōkiri’s and Te Arawhiti’s roles. He will soon meet with Iwi and Māori leaders to provide further details on the Government’s plans and gather additional feedback.