Foreword
E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā karangatanga maha, tēnā koutou. We are pleased to introduce the 'Crown-Māori Relationship Instruments: Guidelines and Advice for Government and State Sector Agencies', available on www.tpk.govt.nz and through a link to www.justice.govt.nz.
The theme of National Identity is a Government priority focussed on all New Zealanders having pride in who and what we are; a key aspect of this priority is the strengthening of Māori culture and identity.
The Crown-Māori Relationship Instrument Guidelines have been developed to further promote effective working relationships between the Crown and Māori, of which one outcome is to support Māori in realising their own potential.
The Government is firmly committed to building positive working relationships with whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori organisations in all forms. The relationships between Māori and the Government are complex, multi-faceted and ongoing. These Guidelines provide a whole-of-Government approach to developing relationship instruments. Government agencies and Māori provided advice during the preparation of these Guidelines.
We hope the Guidelines will make a valuable contribution towards the development of effective Crown-Māori relationships, and encourage Government agencies to use the information contained in the Guidelines and develop consistent, mutually beneficial relationship instruments. 'Ko koe ki tēnā, ko ahau ki tēnei kīwai o te kete'.
Heoi ano, nā,
Hon Parekura Horomia
Minister of Māori Affairs
Hon Mark Burton
Minister of Justice
