Alison Thom, Deputy Secretary

As its name implies, Te Puni Kōkiri’s Relationships and Information wahanga is focused on developing and maintaining strategic relationships that are at the heart of Māori development.

Relationships and Information wahanga Deputy Secretary Alison Thom says forging enduring relationships with Māori, as well as a broad range of other stakeholders, including local and central government, business, and wider communities of interest, is the key role of the wahanga.

The focus is on developing strategic and purposeful relationships – partnering stakeholders where appropriate, to achieve mutual goals and Te Puni Kōkiri’s strategic outcome of Māori succeeding as Māori.

The Relationships and Information wahanga adds value to stakeholder relationships by placing an emphasis on evaluating interventions to build a sound understanding of outcomes. This evaluation also helps guide future investment decisions.

Te Puni Kōkiri has a network of 10 regional offices across New Zealand – nine spread across the North Island and top of the South, while a tenth office is based in Christchurch.

Te Puni Kōkiri’s regional offices provide a direct link to iwi, hapu, whānau and Māori communities. They provide a vital connection that helps Te Puni Kōkiri to work alongside Māori. In addition, these connections allow Māori communities to provide feedback that strengthens the government’s understanding of Māori views, aspirations and experience.

Our regional staff are involved in building strong relationships with Māori communities; providing facilitation and brokerage services to communities and government and non-government agencies; and developing and implementing local initiatives to help build the capacity of Māori organisations.

Last modified: 10/04/2008