The Office for Māori Crown Relations to Downsize Functions and Workforce

The Office for Māori Crown Relations, Te Arawhiti, is planning to scale back its functions and workforce as part of a broader effort to streamline government entities. This move comes as the ministry faces increased scrutiny from lawmakers and is seeking to adapt to changing circumstances.

Background on the Downsizing Plan

In August, Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka announced plans to transfer many of Te Arawhiti’s functions to the Ministry for Maori Development, Te Puni Kōkiri. This move aims to improve efficiency and reduce duplication of efforts across government ministries.

Impact on Staffing

According to recent reports, 51 roles at Te Arawhiti are set to be disestablished as part of the downsizing plan. The Ministry for Maori Development has confirmed that it will take over these functions, including Treaty Settlements and Marine and Coastal Area Act settlements.

Leadership from Te Puni Kōkiri

Deputy Secretary – Governance Steven Sutton from Te Puni Kōkiri expressed confidence in the ministry’s ability to carry out its new responsibilities. He stated that while some functions would be transferred, Treaty Settlements would remain under Te Arawhiti’s purview.

“We are taking over the treaty relationship and we are also taking over lifting the public service capability,” Sutton said. “That leaves settlements and Marine and Coastal Area Act with Te Arawhiti.”

Transfer Timeline

The transfer of functions is expected to take place on Monday, 24 February 2025. This means that Waitangi Day in 2025 will fall under the responsibility of Te Arawhiti, while those same functions will transfer to Te Puni Kōkiri two weeks later.

Future Focus for Te Arawhiti

According to Secretary for Māori Development Dave Samuels, if anything, Te Arawhiti’s focus would narrow in on treaty settlements. This suggests that the ministry may place greater emphasis on these areas moving forward.

Priorities for Te Puni Kōkiri

Despite the changes, Deputy Secretary – Strategy Terina Cowan from Te Puni Kōkiri reaffirmed its commitment to key priorities such as Whānau Ora, economic development, and monitoring. The ministry remains focused on these areas, albeit with a slightly different structure.

Conclusion

As government entities face increased scrutiny, downsizing plans like those announced by Te Arawhiti will continue to shape the landscape of government in New Zealand. With Treaty Settlements remaining under Te Arawhiti’s purview and Te Puni Kōkiri taking over other functions, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact the work of both ministries moving forward.

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