Te Puni Kōkiri Report Highlights Significant Growth in Māori Economy and Language Revitalisation

The Ministry of Māori Development, Te Puni Kōkiri (TPK), has released its Pūrongo-ā-tau (Annual Report) for the year ended 30 June 2026, marking a significant period of growth and strategic delivery for Māori. The report, which is the first full year of delivery under the He Takunetanga Rautaki (Strategic Intentions 2025–2029) framework, highlights the robust expansion of the Māori economy and the continued normalisation of te reo Māori across Aotearoa. According to the report, the Māori asset base has seen substantial growth, rising from $69 billion in 2018 to a total of $126 billion in 2023. This economic contribution now accounts for nearly 9 percent of New Zealand’s national GDP. While agriculture, forestry, and fisheries remain traditional strengths, the report notes that Māori enterprise is increasingly diversifying into sectors such as construction, property, tourism, and professional services. The Secretary for Māori Development, who joined the ministry on 1 July 2026, acknowledged the work of predecessor Dave Samuels in providing the stability and focus necessary to achieve these results. The ministry's efforts over the past year focused on five strategic priorities: the Whānau Ora model, Māori economic growth, monitoring state services, strengthening Māori language and culture, and supporting Māori-Crown relations. In the realm of cultural revitalisation, the report indicates that te reo Māori has moved from a state of recovery toward wider visibility. This progress is attributed to the growth of kōhanga reo, kura kaupapa Māori, and wānanga, alongside the support provided by the Maihi Māori and Maihi Karauna strategies. Te Puni Kōkiri continues to act as the Government’s principal advisor, promoting Māori achievement and ensuring the adequacy of state services for Māori across the public sector.