The Future of Te Arawhiti: Slimming Down Functions and Workforce

The Office for Māori Crown Relations, also known as Te Arawhiti, is undergoing significant changes. In a bid to streamline its functions and workforce, the ministry has announced plans to transfer many of its responsibilities to the Ministry for Maori Development, Te Puni Kōkiri.

Background on the Changes

In August, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka announced that Te Arawhiti would be scaling back its functions. The move is part of a broader effort to consolidate government entities and improve efficiency. Last month, it was confirmed that 51 roles would be disestablished as part of the restructuring process.

What Does This Mean for Treaty Settlements?

Te Arawhiti currently carries out four key functions: the overarching treaty relationship, treaty settlements, Marine and Coastal Area Act settlements, and lifting the capability of the public service. However, with the transfer of functions to Te Puni Kōkiri, treaty settlements will remain a responsibility of Te Arawhiti.

“We are taking over the treaty relationship and we are also taking over lifting the public service capability, that leaves settlements and Marine and Coastal Area Act with Te Arawhiti,” said Secretary for Māori Development Dave Samuels. “If anything, Te Arawhiti’s focus would narrow in on treaty settlements.”

Transfer of Functions and Roles

The transfer of functions is expected to take place on Monday 24 February 2025. As part of this process, 44 full-time equivalent roles will be transferred from Te Arawhiti to Te Puni Kōkiri. The transferring employees will come with funding for the positions and organizational overhead.

“One example would be the third of those functions that’s coordinating significant events on behalf of the Crown, so in practical terms that means Waitangi Day in 2025 falls under the responsibility of Te Arawhiti, two weeks later those functions transfer to Te Puni Kōkiri so Waitangi Day 2026 sits with Te Puni Kōkiri,” said Samuels.

Te Puni Kōkiri’s Vision Remains Unchanged

Despite the changes, the deputy secretary of Te Puni Kōkiri stated that the ministry’s vision remains the same. “Our role with the inclusion of Te Arawhiti will be slightly different and we’re currently looking at what our priority areas will be aligned with this government’s focus.”

Conclusion

The changes to Te Arawhiti mark an important shift in the way the government approaches Māori Crown relations. While some roles are being transferred to Te Puni Kōkiri, treaty settlements remain a key responsibility of Te Arawhiti. As the government continues to scrutinize its entities, it will be interesting to see how these changes impact the delivery of services to Māori communities.

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