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To underpin the design and operation of the new welfare system, we propose a kaupapa Māori framework that recognises and addresses Te Tiriti interests of all New Zealanders.
Our approach is consistent with the Tax Working Group’s kaupapa Māori values model, He Ara Waiora (The Treasury, 2018) (McMeeking et al, 2019). The tax and welfare domains are closely related, both focusing on the (re)distribution of income and influencing labour market participation. They are two sides of a coin, with tax raising the revenue needed to fund the redistribution of income through welfare.
At the heart of our approach are six values with particular meanings in the welfare context. These values, explained in table 1, underpin all of our advice and recommendations.
| Value | Meaning | Application in Kia Piki Ake Te Mana Tangata |
|---|---|---|
| Manaakitanga | Hospitality, kindness, generosity, support – the process of showing respect, generosity and care for others | People are treated with, and able to live in, dignity |
| Ōhanga | Economics, economic | Ensuring people have an adequate income and standard of living, including support to access long-term, healthy housing |
| Whanaungatanga |
Relationship, kinship, sense of family connection – a relationship through shared experiences and working together that provides people with a sense of belonging Whanaungatanga develops as a result of kinship rights and expectations, which also serve to strengthen each member of the kin group. It also extends to others with whom one develops a close familial, friendship or reciprocal relationship |
A system that values whānau, families, children and relationships |
| Kotahitanga | Unity, togetherness, solidarity, collective action | People are able to participate meaningfully in communities |
| Takatūtanga | (Takatū) to prepare, get ready (used only of people getting ready), make ready | A system that is fit for the present and prepared for the future, can respond to future ways of working and can support participation in the economy |
| Kaitiakitanga | Guardianship, stewardship, trusteeship, trustee | A system that is financially and politically sustainable across the medium to long term |
This values framework should continue to be developed alongside other frameworks and involve further engagement with Māori. We recognise that our approach – Kia Piki Ake Te Mana Tangata – is valuable only to the extent that it materially improves outcomes for Māori in a practical and tangible way. If this framework is used during the implementation of this report’s recommendations, tangible changes will occur.
MSD is developing its own kaupapa Māori strategy and action plan, Te Pae Tata, which applies kaupapa concepts in its relationships with its clients (MSD, 2018d). We took the ‘takatūtanga’ concept in our framework from MSD’s framework. We commend the Ministry for its start in this work. If properly implemented and deeply ingrained in the culture of the organisation, MSD’s new strategy will bear positive results.
The images shows Whakamana Tāngata, Enhancing the mana of the people at the centre. Starting clockwise from the top:
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