Outcomes for Te Puni Kōkiri

The evaluation also discussed the achievement (to the extent possible) of two of the SMG programme’s high level outcomes, namely to:

• contribute to the growth of strong Māori organisations able to meet organisations’ goals and take advantage of future opportunities; and
• increase stakeholder confidence in the accountability of Māori organisations.

The scope of the evaluation did not extend to questioning other government agencies on their investment practices and whether Māori service providers that agencies invested in produced high quality outcomes. On that basis, the other two high level outcomes for the SMG programme were not discussed in this evaluation.

Strong Māori organisations

Organisations strengthened their governance and management capabilities through the SMG programme, as well as through their own efforts, leading to the growth of strong Māori organisations.

The SMG programme enabled organisations to critically assess their strengths and weaknesses to gain a better understanding of their organisation and how to achieve organisational goals through implementing appropriate strategies.

Some organisations demonstrated independence and ownership of their ongoing development requirements by subsequently funding a separate follow-up review (in addition to SMG assessment and remedial work) from their own resources. In addition, some organisations gained greater financial stability through securing new contracts for service.

Achieving long-term sustainability required organisations to diversify their operations and seek new business opportunities, sometimes in new and untested areas of expertise. New business opportunities also led to the creation of strategic partnerships with other providers in their communities.

Accountable Māori organisations

The willingness of funders to invest in an organisation is an indicator of confidence and trust. Moreover, the renewal of contracts, or signing of new contracts, is an indicator of an organisation’s capability to manage contracts and account for funds.

The implementation of operational policies and procedures and improved financial management practices ensured organisations had accountability controls in place, particularly when approving expenditure.

The evaluation noted that considerable attention was placed on boards’ understanding of their stewardship roles and that the accountability of the organisation was ultimately their responsibility.