Minister of Māori Development Hon Tama Potaka announced in August the Government’s intention to transfer some responsibilities from Te Arawhiti to Te Puni Kōkiri. It was agreed in principle that Te Puni Kōkiri would gain the responsibility to lead the Māori-Crown relationship on behalf of the Government, and be responsible for monitoring the implementation of Treaty settlement commitments made by the Crown.

You can read the Cabinet papers that led to this decision here: https://www.publicservice.govt.nz/assets/DirectoryFile/Clarifying-agency-functions.pdf

The Minister for Māori Development and Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti; the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations and of Justice; and the Minister of Finance and for the Public Service have now confirmed those in principle decisions.

This means that, from late February, Te Puni Kōkiri will take on the responsibility for:

1. monitoring and reporting on the implementation of Treaty settlement commitments
2. leading post-settlement relationships
3. coordinating significant events on behalf of the Crown
4. providing strategic advice on the distinct rights, interests, and responsibilities of Iwi, hapū and Māori, except as they relate to Treaty settlement and Takutai Moana matters; and
5. ensuring the Public Service has the capability to engage effectively with Māori.

The functions transfer will strengthen the system role of Te Puni Kōkiri and clarify the important, but separate role, each organisation plays in delivering for and with Māori. 

Te Arawhiti will remain an independent departmental agency with a clear focus on completing Treaty settlements and Takutai Moana determinations. They will also continue to provide strategic advice on Māori rights and interests as it relates to Treaty settlements and Takutai Moana.

Te Arawhiti and Te Puni Kōkiri are working together to make the transition as seamless as possible for staff and for our stakeholders around the motu.

For our stakeholders – you can continue to expect the same level of engagement from Te Puni Kōkiri as you have received from Te Arawhiti, and many of the same people you have been working with will continue on in their new roles at Te Puni Kōkiri.

If you have an pātai please contact us on info@tpk.govt.nz.