A new report has found that while government agencies have taken steps to improve how they engage with Māori, most cannot show whether those efforts are actually making a difference.
The report, Improving the public service’s capability to engage with Māori, highlights significant gaps in how agencies measure and report progress, raising concerns about accountability and outcomes five years on from the Public Service Act 2020.
The audit found that although agencies have developed the required plans to build capability, there is limited evidence to demonstrate real impact for Māori. In many cases, agencies were unable to clearly show how their initiatives were improving outcomes for whānau, iwi, and hapū.
Reviewers say the biggest gaps lie in performance measurement and reporting. While activity is being recorded, there is a lack of meaningful data linking those actions to tangible improvements. This makes it difficult to assess whether capability-building efforts are effective or simply procedural.
The review examined how agencies have implemented their obligations under the Act, focusing on planning, execution, and reporting. It found that while intentions were often clear, follow-through and evaluation remain inconsistent across the public service.
A key concern is the quality of reporting, with many agencies failing to provide clear, outcome-focused information. Without this, decision-makers and the public are left without a clear picture of whether progress is being made.
The report recommends stronger monitoring systems, clearer performance measures, and more targeted investment in capability where it will have the greatest impact. It also calls for improved accountability to ensure agencies prioritise meaningful engagement with Māori rather than box-ticking exercises.
The findings add to ongoing debate about the effectiveness of public sector reform and the need to better align government systems with Te Tiriti o Waitangi commitments.
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