Effective engagement with Māori is essential for trust-based relationships and achieving positive outcomes. This process ensures inclusivity, strengthens decision legitimacy, and integrates Māori perspectives into policymaking. It acknowledges Māori rangatiratanga, mātauranga Māori, and their capacity to contribute, particularly in addressing disproportionately impactful issues.
Key principles include engaging early, being inclusive, and thinking broadly to achieve mutual understanding, co-design opportunities, shared initiatives, and efficient resource use. Without these principles, engagement risks losing meaningful connections and compromising policy effectiveness. Existing networks can reduce engagement costs.
Introduction
The framework is designed for engagement on specific policies or initiatives but applies broadly to informal interactions or Māori-initiated engagement. Engagement should involve early, inclusive, and broad approaches for effective partnerships.
What is the Kaupapa?
Defining the kaupapa (purpose) is critical, encompassing cultural, environmental, social, and economic dimensions. Comprehensive mapping across sectors ensures that intersecting interests are considered. Officials are advised to identify key messages, align with sectoral relevance, and consult Māori or other agencies for insights.
Who to engage with
Engagement depends on whether the kaupapa is local, regional, or national. For local matters, engage with individuals, whānau, hapū, or iwi. Regional engagements may involve iwi organisations or collectives, while national issues necessitate collaboration with nationwide Māori organisations.
Statutory and Treaty obligations may dictate specific groups to engage with. Agencies should consult multiple representative entities to ensure comprehensive input.
How to engage
The engagement spectrum ranges from informing and consulting to collaborating, co-designing, and empowering. The appropriate method depends on the kaupapa’s significance. Engagement methods should be flexible and tailored to Māori participation needs, ensuring meaningful involvement.
Processes should acknowledge Māori contributions and adapt to statutory or legislative constraints while exploring collaborative solutions.
Developing an engagement strategy
A detailed engagement strategy should be adaptable and include principles for engagement, stakeholder analysis, communication plans, risk assessments, and a feedback process. Coordination across government processes is crucial to avoid engagement fatigue.
Timeframes should accommodate Māori availability and community schedules, with invitations issued at least two weeks in advance. Strategies must also ensure accessibility of materials and varied communication methods to suit diverse audiences.
Implementation
Implementation requires effective listening, inclusive feedback channels, and a focus on Māori protocols. Agencies should provide multiple avenues for input, including electronic feedback, and maintain resources for recording discussions. This ensures thorough dissemination and informs evaluations.
Feedback and analysis
Feedback is a vital component, demonstrating respect for Māori time and effort. Agencies should clearly report how input was used, outline timeframes for feedback, and evaluate engagement processes to identify improvements.
Review
Draft strategies should be reviewed by the Māori Crown Relations Unit, which offers practical advice and evaluates adherence to engagement principles. Te Puni Kōkiri is another resource for strategy development.
Conclusion
Engagement is a flexible process that requires careful planning to address kaupapa specifics. Early, inclusive, and broad engagement ensures effective advice, strengthens relationships, and simplifies future engagements.