Outcomes for Māori organisations

Strengthening the governance function of Māori organisations

For participants in the SMG programme, the programme successfully increased the capacity and capability of the organisations’ governance boards. It is also apparent that ongoing work is required in the governance area to address issues such as board member turnover and enhancement of board members’ skills and capabilities.

The SMG programme improved the organisations’ strategic focus, helped clarify the distinction between governance and management, and increased board confidence and overall performance. Specifically, the SMG programme:

• assisted boards to understand their role in setting strategy and clarifying the strategic goals for organisations;
• assisted board members to clarify their roles and responsibilities including the separation of their governance and management duties;
• enabled board members (through governance training) to gain the skills and knowledge that allow them to be more productive and focused at board meetings; and
• increased board members’ confidence in their governance abilities and self-assurance to seek and attain new business opportunities.

Strengthening the management function of Māori organisations

The SMG programme played a key role in improving organisations’ management processes and systems. The programme identified areas of weakness and provided support and direction to address shortcomings. Some of the outcomes for organisations included:

• strengthening management structures to ensure lines of accountability and management succession planning were in place;
• strengthening work environments by improving organisational culture;
• implementing operational policies and procedures including financial management, risk management, board management and quality management;
• assisting organisations to develop a better understanding of risk management and develop strategies to manage and mitigate risks; and
• investing in staff development to ensure organisations had the capabilities to deliver quality services.

The impact of the SMG programme

Overall, the SMG programme was viewed positively by organisations, assessors and Te Puni Kōkiri staff. The survey rated the programme as having made either a decisive or worthwhile difference to their organisation.

Organisations valued the professional advice, valuable independent opinion and access to experienced assessors. The SMG programme was considered by organisations to be timely and enabled them to develop and grow.

Organisations were keen to participate in the SMG programme, and showed willingness to share information and insights, and were receptive to the recommendations made. About two-thirds (67%) of organisations implemented all or most of the recommendations made by their assessors. Organisations cited either lack of resources to undertake remedial work or a change in organisational priorities as reasons for not implementing assessors’ recommendations.

The SMG programme provided a level of assurance to Te Puni Kōkiri and, anecdotally, to other government agencies and funders that organisations were capable of delivering quality services. This was illustrated by a government agency’s willingness to invest in an organisation because they had been through the SMG programme.