Crown-Maori Relationship Instruments - Guidelines ... - Te Puni Kokiri

Agencies should consider expenses relating to:• staffing costs for those allocated to the work• developing the requisite understandings for the parties to operate effectively under the CMRI,such as:– the Agency’s overall objectives for the Crown-Mäori relationship– cultural training for staff (for example, in te reo or the tikanga and kawa of the particularMäori Collective)– building of technical capacity relating to the subject-matter of the CMRI for staff of theMäori Collective• negotiating the CMRI• operational aspects of the CMRI, such as:– regular meetings– travel– hosting expenses– exchange of information– reporting and monitoring progress– reviewing the relationship.11COMMON THEMES (FROM DISCUSSIONS WITH PARTIES TO CMRI)The comments set out in this table illustrate the kinds of issues which parties to CMRIconsidered important or relevant to the development of effective CMRI.ThemeCapacity, resourcingand commitmentCommentThe capacity within Mäori Collectives is often spread very thin:financially and personnel-wise.Resources of Agencies can be limited and some may only enteragreements with Mäori on an “as needed” basis.Mätauranga (knowledge) is an important resource. Seek tounderstand what knowledge is being contributed by each party.Commitment levels on both sides should be equal andagreements should embody the principle of reciprocity.CMRI should be entered into with genuine intent, not forreasons perceived to be tokenistic (especially not as a statutory“tick-box” for interaction with Mäori). Agreements should bebased on the parties seeking solid outcomes. The Agency shouldconsider what benefit Mäori will get from the agreement, notjust what the Crown will gain.Succession planningWhile there is generally continuity of personnel on theMäori side, there can be difficulty in maintaining effectiverelationships between parties to CMRI and institutionalknowledge as staff move through the public service. Goodinternal processes can assist this.CONTEMPLATING A CMRI