Commitment to M¨¡ori and the Treaty
Police is committed to being responsive to M¨¡ori as tangata whenua and understands the value and importance of the M¨¡ori Crown relationship and honouring the Treaty of Waitangi as New Zealand¡¯s founding document. Police continue to work to understand how as an organisation, we can be a more proactive and an inclusive partner for Iwi M¨¡ori.
Police put the Treaty into action in three main ways.
Article One (Kawanatanga)
- Improving Police capability to address M¨¡ori issues, as a requirement of being an active and engaged Treaty partner.
Article Two (Tino Rangatiratanga)
- Enabling iwi to have ownership of decision making that affects M¨¡ori. Creating strong relationships with tangata whenua in order for Police and M¨¡ori to jointly reduce offending and victimisation within M¨¡ori communities.
Article Three (?ritetanga)
- Ensuring M¨¡ori have access to justice and receive equal treatment before the law.
Improving our Service Delivery through enhanced cultural competency of our people
New Zealand is a diverse and multicultural organisation. To enable effective and appropriate responsive policing, Police are continuously looking for ways to advance the skills and knowledge of our people through various experiences and learning environments. Key to this is delivering training on Te Ao M¨¡ori, Tikanga, Te Reo M¨¡ori, Treaty of Waitangi, Declaration of Independence as well as increasing bicultural knowledge, skills and comfort of staff in engaging with our communities.
Engaging M¨¡ori in culturally responsive policing
M¨¡ori Focus Forum
The Commissioner of Police has a group of senior kaumatua and kuia who meet with him regularly to discuss issues of mutual interest and concern. This forum is known as the Commissioner's M¨¡ori Focus Forum and includes a variety of members representing our M¨¡ori community. The group helps guide policing strategy in regard to M¨¡ori and provides advice on current issues of concern to wh¨¡nau, hap¨±, community, and iwi, and strengthens the consultative environment and partnership between M¨¡ori and Police. The M¨¡ori Focus Forum helped develop and co-design Te Huringa O Te Tai with Police. The forum plays a governance role and helps oversee the strategy's implementation. This forum will not only recognise the special nature of the relationship between M¨¡ori people and a Crown agency, but will also provide a direct link between the Police and the aspirations of M¨¡ori.
Current members of the M¨¡ori Focus Forum are:
- Arihia Stirling
- Dame Iritana Tawhiwhirangi
- Selwyn Parata
- Paora Stanley
- Rahui Papa
- Bishop Kitohi Pikaahu
- Ta Mark Solomon
- Lisa Tumahai
- Dame Naida Glavish
- Harry Mikaere and
- Harry Burkhardt
- Shane Graham
- Michelle McDonald
- Howie Tamati
- Rikirangi Gage
- Ngahiwi Tomoana
- Pru Kapua
- Monty Morrison
- Helmut Modlik
- Kura Moeahu
District M¨¡ori Advisory Boards
Each police district has its own District M¨¡ori Advisory Board made up of representatives of local iwi. The Boards help police commanders with strategy and issues at local level.
M¨¡ori Wardens Project
The M¨¡ori Wardens Project is a joint venture with Te Puni K¨kiri and Police. The project provides training and support to an increasing number of M¨¡ori wardens throughout New Zealand.
M¨¡ori wardens are involved in a range of activities such as:
- curbing unruly behaviour and diffusing tensions
- caring for rangatahi
- security at events and in public places, street patrols
- walk-throughs at licensed premises
- hospital visits
- Court attendance and support.
If you are interested in becoming a warden, visit the Te Puni K¨kiri website to find your .
Research opportunities
51½ÖÉä is interested in working with people who wish to undertake research on topics involving M¨¡ori, including (but not limited to):
- effective programmes for specific types of offending (eg shoplifting)
- recruitment, retention and promotion of M¨¡ori in Police
- ethnic representation in the criminal justice system
- relationships between Police and M¨¡ori
- explaining patterns in victimisation and offending among M¨¡ori
- service provision to M¨¡ori victims and offenders
- effectiveness of initiatives to address victimisation and offending among M¨¡ori.
Find out more about 51½ÖÉä research application requirements.
For more information about research with Police:
P (04) 474 9465 E research@police.govt.nz