Briefing to the Incoming Minister
Table of contents
From the Chief Executive
Minister of Māori Affairs
November 2008
Tēnā koe
Ngā mihi matakuikui i roto i ngā tini āhuatanga katoa o te wā nei ki a koe e te Minita mō ngā Take Māori.
Congratulations on your appointment to the Māori Affairs portfolio.
In this document I am pleased to provide you with an overview of the context within which we work, the organisations, work programmes and resources at your disposal, and the duties which the portfolio encompasses. Key decisions pending during your early weeks as Minister are also highlighted.
Significant potential exists among Māori: in the strength and evolution of our culture; in the growing and youthful Māori population; and in our Māori asset base. Te Puni Kōkiri’s purpose is to assist in unlocking and realising this potential to support Māori to succeed as Māori.
This reflects our strategic outcome, which is Māori succeeding as Māori. We strive for Māori to enjoy a better quality of life, achieving a sustainable level of success as individuals, and in organisations and collectives. Most importantly, we recognise the importance of Māori achieving success on their own terms, and in that, celebrating what it means to be Māori.
We are the principal advisor on Crown-Māori relationships, and give effect to this through a range of functional areas, including: leadership of public policy as it effects Māori; relationship management; and investing in local initiative. We build and maintain close and interactive connections with Māori, through our strong network of 10 regional offices.
I look forward to working with you in the Māori Affairs portfolio in the days and months ahead.
Leith Comer
Chief Executive