The Future of Te Arawhiti: What’s Next for the Office for Māori Crown Relations?

As part of scrutiny week, the Māori Affairs Select Committee has heard about the plans to slim down the functions and workforce of the Office for Māori Crown Relations, also known as Te Arawhiti. The office was established in 2019 with a focus on improving the relationship between the Crown and Māori, but it is now facing significant changes.

Background on Te Arawhiti’s Functions

Te Arawhiti was tasked with overseeing four key functions: the overarching treaty relationship, treaty settlements, Marine and Coastal Area Act settlements, and lifting the capability of the public service. However, in August, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka announced plans to scale back these responsibilities and shift many of them to the Ministry for Maori Development, Te Puni Kōkiri.

Last month, Te Arawhiti confirmed that over 50 roles would be disestablished as part of this restructuring. The changes are expected to take place by February 2025, with some functions transferring to Te Puni Kōkiri and others remaining with Te Arawhiti.

Impact on Treaty Settlements

The transfer of functions has raised concerns about the impact on treaty settlements. Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke asked members of Te Puni Kōkiri if the changes would cause challenges in carrying out remaining settlement obligations.

Secretary for Māori Development Dave Samuels responded that Treaty Settlements were one of the functions which would not transfer to Te Puni Kōkiri. However, he noted that while Te Arawhiti’s focus would narrow on treaty settlements, it was still likely to carry out these obligations.

What’s Next for Te Arawhiti and Te Puni Kōkiri?

Deputy Secretary – Governance Steven Sutton said that the functions were expected to be transferred by February 24, 2025. He explained that some roles would transfer from Te Arawhiti to Te Puni Kōkiri, bringing funding for positions and organisational overhead.

Samuels and the chief executive of Te Arawhiti are set to make a decision on the structure of both organisations next week. Te Puni Kōkiri’s deputy secretary – strategy Terina Cowan noted that the ministry’s vision remained unchanged, but would be slightly different as a result of the changes.

“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,” Cowan said. Whānau Ora, economic development, and monitoring would be among their priorities.

Conclusion

The changes to Te Arawhiti are part of a broader effort to streamline government entities and improve the efficiency of Māori Crown relations. While there are concerns about the impact on treaty settlements, it is clear that both Te Arawhiti and Te Puni Kōkiri are committed to continuing their work in this area.

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