This is a single section from Chapter 5. Read the full chapter here.

Who should be consulted?

Consultation must target Māori whose interests are particularly affected.

Government policies and legislation may affect different groups of Māori in different ways. It is therefore important to identify who might be specifically affected and ensure their views are sought and fully considered. As no one body speaks for all Māori on all matters, iwi, hapū, or other entities representing Māori groups that are specifically affected must be identified and consulted. For matters concerning particular regions, it may be appropriate to focus consultation on the groups which have customary interests in that area.

Te Puni Kōkiri, through its directory Te Kāhui Māngai, provides a comprehensive list of post-settlement groupings and areas of interest.[1] If an iwi has not yet settled its historical claims, Te Arawhiti will be able to advise on which groups have a mandated body recognised by the Crown for Treaty settlement purposes.

The CabGuide notes that agencies should consider consulting Te Puni Kōkiri on proposals that may have implications for Māori as individuals, communities, or tribal groupings; and the Crown Law Office for constitutional issues, including Treaty issues.[2]

Also, the Ministry of Justice (through PSCU) is developing a central register of all settlement commitments. The Ministry should be consulted to determine whether proposals for legislation will affect treaty settlements.

The Māori engagement framework sets out Cabinet’s expectations for government agencies working with Māori.

 

[1] Te Puni Kōkiri Te Kāhui Māngai (Directory of Iwi and Māori Organisations).

[2] Cabinet Office CabGuide “Cabinet paper consultation with departments (2019).

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