Māori Governance Video Toolkit

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Introduction Māori Governance Toolkit Videos Principles of Māori Governance Māori Governance structures Examples of Māori Governance structures

What is Māori Governance?

Te Tumu Paeroa and Community Governance Aotearoa have partnered to create a series of governing videos designed to enhance the knowledge and skills as Māori trustees. The videos are conversational with tips and guidance on navigating our often challenging roles as governors.

Thank you Te Tumu Paeroa rōpū and Community Governance Aotearoa’s Te Ao Māori advisory rōpū for their guidance in developing the governance toolkit videos.

We also would like to acknowledge the contribution of many who participated in the national action plan co-design workshops where the video toolkit concept was created!

Te Tumu Paeroa also have training modules available for owners of whenua Māori. Learn more about accessing the training modules here.

Ngā mihi ki a koutou!

Māori Governance Toolkit Videos

Meetings

Te Whakapā Kaipupuri

What to include in a meeting, and how to run one.

Conflict and ethics

Ngā Matatika

A range of scenarios looking at conflict of interest and ethical considerations.

Financial Statements

Ngā Pūrongo Pūtea

A general overview of typical financial statements.

Leadership

Te Hautū

Looks at different leadership styles and how to work with them.

Leases

Ngā Rīhi

What is a lease and what is generally in a lease document.

Risks

Te Haumaru Whakararu

How to consider risk associated with strategies, and methods available to manage them.

Trustee Duties

Ngā Mahi Kaitiaki

The Māori Land Court's 12 principles or duties for trustees to follow.

Vision and Strategy

Te Rautaki

Guidance on strategic thinking and planning.

Trust Order

Ngā Tikanga Tiaki

What is a Trust Order and what might it contain.

Principles of Māori Governance

Te Puni Kōkiri, the Ministry for Māori Development, details ‘Tikanga’ (customary practices of behaviours) principles in Māori Governance as follows:

“Tikanga principles may also be put into practice in the board of an organisation alongside governance principles. Tikanga, kawa and values that meet the aspirations of being a good treaty partner to contribute to the work of the board. Tikanga can easily fit alongside governance best practice.”

An example of Tikanga in practice is karakia to open and close the meeting.

Other principles could include:

Whakapapa.
Manaakitanga (Tuakana-Teina).
Kotahitanga.
Rangatiratanga.
Te hono ki te whenua.

Māori Governance is based on a values system of te ao Māori principles and is not necessarily solely based on commercial or financial objectives. Good Māori Governance is based on recognising sustainable economic and environmental opportunities for Māori and future generations.

Māori Governance structures

Māori Governance structures have a point of difference which is embedded in whakapapa and with a future generational capacity and capability view. There is a difference between Māori Governance and governance boards that include Maōri or are wholly Māori.

It is important to note that in Māori organisations, the objectives of governance will take into account the way in which Māori relate to the assets and what they are used for. In some instances, although the organisation operates commercially, commercial objectives may be balanced with the need to safeguard the assets for future generations.

There are various governance frameworks in place: