Māori Succeeding as Māori

Context

Culture is the unique and distinguishing feature of Māori vis-à-vis non-Māori, and is the foundation for the key outcome of Māori succeeding as Māori. In considering culture, we focus on two broad areas: the artefacts of culture (such as language and arts) and the values, norms, behaviours and infrastructure that shape the fabric of Māori society. It is well understood that those who have a strong sense of cultural attachment and identity are better positioned to uptake wider opportunities; and that a strong and unique indigenous culture accrues significant benefits to the nation as a whole.

What we are seeking to achieve

The outcome we are pursuing, and for which we have a leadership role across government, is Māori succeeding as Māori. The intent of this outcome is for Māori success, as New Zealanders and as global citizens, to be underpinned by their success as Māori, secure, confident and expert in their own culture. Key success indicators for this outcome focus on the cornerstones of culture: language and kinship. They are:

• Increased levels of Māori language proficiency and use; and,
• Increased knowledge of iwi affiliation.

What we will do to achieve this

Our emphasis for this outcome, and for which our activities are able to have a demonstrable impact, is that Māori are more secure, confident and expert in their own culture. Key areas of impact include:

• Increased opportunities for Māori to access language and culture; and,
• Strengthened cultural infrastructure.

The objective of key dimensions of our work, which are expected to result in these impacts, is to positively influence the environment in which Māori can access opportunities to access their own culture.

A continued focus this year arises from further reprioritisation of funding within our existing budget to support the Whānau Language Development programme, which is now in its third successful year of operation.

Other key areas of our work include:

Māori Language and Broadcasting

• Completing and implementing the results of the review of the Māori Language Strategy;
• On-going policy leadership, co-ordination and monitoring of the Māori Language Strategy;
• Investment in the Whānau Language Development programme;
• Leadership of the Government’s response to the report of the independent review panel on the Māori Television Service Act, and progressing any amendments to policy setting or legislation that arise from the review;
• On-going policy leadership of the Māori broadcasting and e-media strategy; and
• Advising on the Crown’s ownership interest in, and performance of, language and broadcasting agencies funded through Vote Māori Affairs.

Government response to WAI 262

• Leading capability development across affected agencies of the possible implications of WAI 262; and,
• Leading the Government’s response to the report of the Waitangi Tribunal on WAI 262. Commencement of this component of the work is dependent on timing of the release of the report.

Community level interventions and programme management, including:

• Brokering and facilitating relationships and opportunities for Māori;
• Supporting community based opportunities strengthening Māori cultural practice;
• Managing and monitoring all investments made through Māori Potential Funds that support Māori succeeding as Māori; and,
• Evaluating a selection of Māori Potential Fund initiatives that support Māori succeeding as Māori, in accordance with the agreed Evaluation Strategy and priorities.

How we will demonstrate progress towards achieving this

The diagram on page 27 summarises our overall performance framework for this outcome area. Importantly, it demonstrates the linkages between our activities in this area, the impact those activities can have on Māori being more secure, confident and expert in their own culture, and thus contribute towards the broader outcome of Māori succeeding as Māori.