The Future of Te Arawhiti: Scaling Back Functions and Workforce

The Office for Māori Crown Relations, also known as Te Arawhiti, is planning to slim down its functions and workforce. This move comes after Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka announced plans to scale back the responsibilities of Te Arawhiti in August.

Background on the Changes

Te Arawhiti was established to provide a central role for the Crown in Māori affairs, but its functions have been shifting towards the Ministry for Maori Development, Te Puni Kōkiri. In August, Minister Potaka announced that many of Te Arawhiti’s functions would be transferred to Te Puni Kōkiri, with 51 roles set to be disestablished.

Annual Review and Scrutiny Week

Last month, the leaders of Te Puni Kōkiri appeared before the Māori Affairs Select Committee for their annual review. The move is part of scrutiny week, which focuses on the performance of government entities. During the review, members of Te Puni Kōkiri discussed how the transfer of functions would impact Treaty Settlements.

Transfer of Functions and Challenges

Secretary for Māori Development Dave Samuels stated that Treaty Settlements were one of the functions which would not transfer to Te Puni Kōkiri. “Very broadly, Te Arawhiti currently carries out four key functions. The first one is the overarching treaty relationship, the second is treaty settlements, the third is Marine and Coastal Area Act settlements, and the fourth is lifting the capability of the public service,” Samuels said.

“The treaty relationship and lifting the public service capability would be taken over by Te Puni Kōkiri, leaving settlements and Marine and Coastal Area Act with Te Arawhiti,” Samuels continued. “If anything, Te Arawhiti’s focus would narrow in on treaty settlements.”

Transferring Roles and Funding

Te Puni Kōkiri deputy secretary – governance Steven Sutton said that 44 full-time equivalent roles would transfer from Te Arawhiti to Te Puni Kōkiri, along with funding for the positions and organizational overhead. The transfer is expected to take place on February 24, 2025.

Looking Ahead

Deputy Secretary – Strategy Terina Cowan stated that Te Puni Kōkiri’s vision remains unchanged despite the changes. “Our role will be slightly different, and we’re currently looking at what our priority areas will be aligned with this government’s focus. Whānau Ora… will be one of our priorities, economic development, monitoring, and then we’ll also have a te reo focus.”

Conclusion

The future of Te Arawhiti is uncertain, but it’s clear that the organization is undergoing significant changes. As the roles and functions are transferred to Te Puni Kōkiri, it remains to be seen how this will impact Treaty Settlements and the overall Māori affairs landscape.