Treaty Settlement Delivery improves but agencies must keep momentum

Crown agencies are accountable to deliver on their Te Tiriti o Waitangi settlement commitments and report on progress. The latest Whole of System (Core Crown) Report shows encouraging results, and continued effort will be essential to maintain this momentum.

Progress at a glance  

  • 83.3% of commitments complete or on track (up from 76.7% in 2024) 
  • 3.5% delivery issues (down from 4.9% in 2024) 
  • 27 core Crown agencies reporting statuses in Te Haeata 
  • 24 Post-Settlement Governance Entities (PSGEs) engaged for insights  

Agencies are embedding Treaty commitments into planning and performance frameworks and reporting with greater detail than before. Improved tracking systems, audits, and record-keeping are helping to lift performance.  

Some commitments are complex—such as property transfers, legal disputes, and multi-party engagements. These require sustained attention and proactive solutions to avoid delays that weaken trust. 

 

Insights from PSGEs 

For the first time, the report includes perspectives from 24 PSGEs, providing a richer picture of how delivery is experienced on the ground. Structured mechanisms like Accords are seen as effective tools for maintaining momentum and building trust. 

PSGEs acknowledged progress but highlighted opportunities to; 

  • Strengthen engagement 
  • Improve consistency across agencies 
  • Ensure commitments reflect the holistic intent of settlements 

 

Stronger oversight and next steps 

In February 2025, monitoring and reporting responsibilities for Treaty settlement commitments were transferred to Te Puni Kōkiri, strengthening system-wide accountability. Over the next year, Te Puni Kōkiri will: 

  • Support agencies through monitoring and reporting 
  • Update guidance and consider frameworks to achieve the holistic intent of settlements 
  • Enhance Te Haeata’s functionality and improve system-level reporting 
  • Continue collaborative engagement with PSGEs, Iwi, Hapū and Māori  

Achieving meaningful improvement in the delivery of Treaty settlement commitments is a long-term journey. The changes underway lay the foundation for an enduring, effective system—one that reflects the holistic intent of settlements and strengthens the Iwi–Crown relationship for generations to come.