Iwi Leaders Call for Stronger Māori Voice in Government Policy

Iwi leaders from across the motu are urging the Government to strengthen its partnership with Māori as major policy reforms continue to reshape the political landscape.

At a national hui over the weekend, representatives from rūnanga, urban Māori authorities, and Māori service providers reaffirmed that Māori must be included from the beginning, not the end, of policy development.

Leaders say the pace of change across health, education, justice, and local government is creating uncertainty for whānau and providers on the frontline. Many argue that while governments change, the Crown’s obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi remain constant.

Several speakers emphasised the need for “true partnership, not symbolic engagement,” calling for better resourcing of iwi and Māori organisations that deliver essential social services.

They also stressed that Māori should not be framed as stakeholders.
“We are partners,” one iwi chair said.

“Te Tiriti sets the standard – and we expect governments to honour it.”

The hui is expected to produce a set of recommendations for direct engagement with ministers in the coming months.

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