Te Rōpū Kaimahi Māori o Aotearoa is warning that Māori workers and rangatahi are facing a growing employment crisis, with concerns Budget 2026 has failed to provide the targeted interventions needed to reverse rising unemployment.
Spokesperson Ken Mair says Māori unemployment has increased sharply in recent years, creating significant challenges for whānau and communities already dealing with cost-of-living pressures, housing stress and reduced economic opportunities.
Te Rōpū Kaimahi Māori o Aotearoa, a Māori workers’ advocacy organisation focused on employment, economic justice and workplace rights, says the current labour market trends are particularly concerning for young Māori entering the workforce.
Recent employment data shows Māori unemployment rates have risen significantly from post-pandemic lows, with rangatahi Māori among the groups experiencing the greatest barriers to securing stable employment.
Mair says a combination of economic slowdown, public sector restructuring and reduced investment in Māori-focused employment initiatives has contributed to the worsening outlook.
He argues cuts to Māori agencies, programmes and services have had a direct impact on employment opportunities by reducing both frontline jobs and the support systems designed to help Māori workers gain skills, training and pathways into sustainable careers.
The concerns come amid ongoing restructuring within several government agencies, including Te Puni Kōkiri and other parts of the public service, where Māori-focused roles have faced increasing scrutiny.
Mair says many of these positions not only delivered services to communities but also provided important employment opportunities for Māori professionals and emerging leaders.
The organisation is calling for a targeted Māori employment strategy that recognises the unique challenges facing Māori workers and addresses structural barriers that have persisted for decades.
Among the priorities being advocated are:
- Direct investment in Māori employment programmes
- Expanded apprenticeships and vocational training
- Greater support for Māori business development
- Regional job creation initiatives
- Targeted support for rangatahi transitioning into work
- Stronger procurement opportunities for Māori enterprises
Mair says an effective 100-day Māori employment plan would need to focus on immediate job creation while building long-term pathways into skilled and future-focused industries.
Another growing concern is the impact of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence on the workforce.
As AI continues to reshape industries globally, employment advocates are warning that workers without access to retraining and digital skills development may face increased risks of displacement.
Mair says Māori communities must be included in planning for technological change to ensure the benefits of innovation are shared equitably rather than deepening existing inequalities.
Workforce experts have noted that while artificial intelligence may create new opportunities in some sectors, it is also likely to disrupt traditional employment pathways, particularly for lower-skilled and entry-level roles.
Mair argues that without targeted protections and investment, Māori workers could once again bear a disproportionate share of economic disruption.
The debate comes as economists continue warning that labour market conditions are likely to remain challenging in the short term, with unemployment expected to remain elevated as economic growth recovers.
For Māori employment advocates, the challenge now is ensuring future policy responses focus not only on economic growth but on creating meaningful opportunities for Māori workers, whānau and rangatahi across Aotearoa.
