Last updated: Thursday, 16 July 2026 | Rāpare, 16 Hōngongoi, 2026
Government policy is a critical lever in delivering better outcomes to and for whānau, hapū, Iwi and Māori and achieving our vision of Thriving Whānau.
Underpinned by a positive reading of Te Tiriti o Waitangi | The Treaty of Waitangi, Te Tautuhi ō Rongo as a policy framework provides a structured approach for considering how Treaty-based rights, interests and responsibilities apply. This is particularly important when exploring an issue or opportunity, developing or implementing policy, or engaging with stakeholders.
In simple terms, Te Tautuhi ō Rongo acknowledges that in accordance with Te Tiriti o Waitangi | The Treaty of Waitangi, Māori have collective rights and interests as expressed through their Iwi and hapū. Aligned to this Māori, as do all citizens of Aotearoa New Zealand, have individual rights and interests that are considered when government policy is developed.
