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Having your say
Government policies provide the blueprint for the way in which our society
operates; underpinning our legal, moral and social structures.
Fair and equitable policies must reflect the opinions, concerns and aspirations of
all members of society. Anything less results in disadvantage and inequality.
In New Zealand, many government policies and actions have historically failed
to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations, despite sustained efforts by Māori to
oppose such actions. This has resulted in long-term detrimental effects for
Māori in crucial aspects of health, education, economic and cultural well-being.
Since the 1980s, there has been a gradually evolving move towards policy
making which focuses on developing strategies, legislations and programmes
which prioritise Māori concerns and rights. For example, Te Ture Whenua
Māori Act, 1993, which recognises traditional Māori land ownership rights.
It is imperative then, that contemporary policies continue to be developed in
accordance with the principles and provisions of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, to reflect
the legitimate concerns and needs and customary rights of Māori.
To achieve this, Māori must continue the battle to have their voices heard.
Who is involved in creating policies?
Policy development is a government process, but that doesn’t mean that only
politicians can influence the process and the outcome.
Māori representation within parliament is essential throughout this process, but
the voice of Māori in the community also needs to be heard.
Ideally, the policy makers should be guided by the opinions and needs of the
public
Groups and individuals involved include:
Members of Parliament and government ministers
Public servants, advisors and policy consultants
Judges
State sector providers
Non-government organisations
Public citizens and interest groups
Media organisations

How Does the Process Work?
To give structure to this process, it is useful to consider the Policy Cycle; a
model by Shaw and Eichbaum, which breaks the process into five steps, as
outlined below.
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Understanding how policies are developed, and of how laws are passed,
promotes active and effective participation in this process, and affords
opportunities for influencing important decisions which impact upon Māori.
The Policy Cycle model is useful because it offers a general framework of how
the policy making process should ideally progress. Each step in the process
however, does not necessarily follow a tidy progression; rather, it is a dynamic
process.
For example, once a new policy has been created and implemented, the next
step is to evaluate how the policy is working. Is it effective? Does it achieve the
expected aims? Does it need to be modififed?
At this point, should the policy turn out to be ineffective, the process might then
revert back to the earlier stage of formulating.
However, despite the fluid nature of the actual process, the Policy Cycle
remains a useful tool for giving a generalised overview of what is involved in
policy making.
Opportunities to Get Involved
Each stage of the policy making process offers various opportunities for
individuals and public interest groups to get involved.
1. Agenda Setting
Petitions – this is a formal written request which is signed by supporters.
A current example, is a petition on behalf of the Life Matters Suicide
Prevention Trust, which calls upon the House to launch an inquiry into
the effectiveness of the current mental health system.
Submissions – this is a written document which expresses individual or
communal perspectives and suggestions for action and solutions (e.g. as
early as 1847, the Tainui rangatira, Te Wherowhero wrote a submission
in the form of a letter to Queen Victoria, outlining concerns about issues
of Māori land ownership). Submissions remain a relevant way that
members of the public can present their concerns to relevant members of
parliament.
Protests – a public action which may take various forms such as hīkoi and
occupations. Famous historical examples include the land march led by

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Dame Whina Cooper in 1977, and the occupation of Bastion Point and
the Raglan Golf Course by the Ōrākei Māori Action Committee. These
not only express dissatisfaction to the government, about the status quo,
but also raises public awareness, and support for the issue.
Meetings – public gatherings in which information and opinions on the
issue are discussed.
Media – various media can be employed, including interviews, opinion
pieces and articles.
2. Formulating Policy
Consultation – meeting with government researchers and advisors who
are gathering information.
Attending public meetings organised to discuss an issue. These meetings
are a way for politicians to outline their position and proposals. They also
offer an opportunity for the public to make their opinions known to the
politician.
Continue with awareness raising activities, as these can put pressure on
government to take public opinion seriously, and consider these views
whilst formulating possible policies.
3. Making decisions
Community input at this stage is limited. It is crucial to have Māori
representatives in parliament, to continue to give voice to concerns.
4. Implementation
If new policies are passed into laws, then there are opportunities for
consultation with Māori during the select committee process.
The implementing of a policy often offers opportunity for Māori to get
involved and have a say in how the policy will be practically worked out.
For example, kaupapa Māori services originated in the recent policy
direction which supports the development of services which put Māori
culture at the forefront of how they operate.
5. Evaluation
Consultation with government agencies and service providers, offers the
opportunity to raise concerns over policy flaws which may require
adjustments or a reconsideration of the whole policy.

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Challenges
Change rarely happens without a struggle. When the wellbeing of future
generations is largely dependent on decisions made today, the benefits of the
struggle become invaluable.
Some contemporary challenges to policy making which represent Māori
interests include:
Negative media portrayal of issues and Māori concerns.
Negative, entrenched public opinions and cultural deficit philosophies
Resistance to the idea of “priviledging” one culture over another.
Lack of unity between Māori who occupy diverse cultural realities.
Minority voices overwhelmed by that of the majority.
Funding limitations.
Complexity of issues requiring complex analysis and solutions.
The Road Ahead
Government policy in New Zealand has moved on from the days when ‘cultural
assimilation’ was considered an appropriate policy.
However, the lingering and very damaging effects of this philosophy are still
very much evident today.
It is heartening to see that much work is being done by people dedicated to
creating a more equitable society, based on cultural empowerment and a
partnership between government and Māori which truly reflects the obligations
of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Much work still needs to be done however, and if we are to continue down this
path, it is critical that Māori continue to fight for the rights and privileges as
promised in the principles and provisions of Te Tiriti.
Ehara taku toa I te toa takitahi. Engari, he toa takitini.
My strength is not the strength of one. It is the strength of many.

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Bibliography
Kaupapa hauora Māori: Policies for Māori health. (1990). Wellington:
Ministerial Advisory Committee on Māori Health
Mutu, m. (2004). Māori Issues: the Contemporary Pacific, 16 (1), 159 – 163.
Doi:10.1353/cp.2004.0025
New Zealand Māori Council. (n.d.) Retreived August 6, 2017, from
https://www.maoricouncil.com/
Occupation of Bastion Point begins. (n.d.). Retreived August 5, 2017, from
https://nzhistory.govt.nz/occupation-of-basion-point-begins
Report of the Controller and Auditor-General: Maori land administration:
Client service performance of the Māori Land Court Unit and
the Māori Trustee. (2004). Wellington, N.Z.: Audit Office
Shaw, R., & Eichbaum, C. (2011). Public Policy in New Zeala nd: Institutions,
processes and outcomes. Auckland, N.Z.: Pearson Education
New Zealand.
The Treaty of Waitangi. (n.d.). Retreived August 6, 2017, from
hyyp://www.treaty2u.govt.nz/

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Barbara Uini / 12086423
150.301 Te Mana Te Kāwanatnga – Māori Policy and the State
Assignment One
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