Who we are

At Te Puni Kōkiri we are driven by our values

• Te Wero – We pursue excellence.
• Manaakitanga – We value people and relationships.
• He Toa Takitini – We work collectively.
• Ture Tangata – We are creative and innovative.

These values guide how we work together, with the wider public sector, and with hapū, Iwi and Māori. At Te Puni Kōkiri, we take pride in how we conduct ourselves and ensuring how we behave is reflective of te ao Māori.

We value the different strengths, skills and viewpoints that a diverse workforce brings to the delivery of our purpose of drawing strength from our past to build an Aotearoa New Zealand where whānau can all stand, thrive and belong. When new kaimahi join us, it strengthens our ability to deliver as the unique experiences and knowledge they bring, adds to the fabric of our korowai.

What we do

As the lead policy advisor to government on Māori development and Iwi and Māori relations, we influence the system to improve policies and services that deliver to and for whānau, hapū, Iwi and Māori.

We have two key approaches that frame our work and will enable agencies to best meet the distinct needs of the populations they serve:

• Policy approach – Te Tautuhi ō Rongo.
• Delivery approach – Whānau-centred, locally led, government enabled.

Read more about Our vision, purpose, role and values.

Read more about our Strategic Intentions 2025-2029.

Organisation environment

Te Puni Kōkiri kaimahi are unique in their connection and commitment to improving outcomes to, for and with Māori.

Kaimahi are encouraged to develop, perform, and contribute to the achievement of our collective vision.

Kaimahi are valued and rewarded for the contribution they make, and enjoy the benefits of an organisation that reflects te ao Māori values. Te Puni Kōkiri prioritises whānau, work life balance, and the ability to work flexibly to ensure our kaimahi, and their whānau, are thriving.  

Read more about our organisational structure.

Employee benefits

We know that for our kaimahi to bring their best selves to work, it’s important to maintain a balance between work and their personal lives. We recognise that a healthy workforce is a productive workforce, and we provide kaimahi opportunities for, and encouragement to, look after themselves.

We offer a range of benefits to support this, including:

• Childcare allowance
• Wellness allowance
• Vision and hearing allowance
• Medical insurance allowance
• Work/life balance leave

We also offer flexible working arrangements, where appropriate, enhanced parental leave provisions, annual flu vaccinations and an Employee Assistance Programme to help support our kaimahi to be the best they can be, at work and for their whānau.

We are committed to tikanga and te reo Māori and we support our kaimahi to deepen their cultural capability, including providing in house te reo Māori training, a kapa haka group and an allowance for te reo Māori proficiency.

We have a partnership with the Public Service Association (PSA) and many of our roles are covered by a Collective Employment Agreement.

For our people to develop, perform and contribute to their fullest potential, we offer a range of learning and development opportunities, including our own learning management system, Te Pūnaha Ako. We also encourage development and career planning through our performance planning framework, Mahere Mahi, and can provide study assistance.