MP Mariameno Kapa-Kīngi advocates for Māori outcomes during Parliamentary Scrutiny Week

Te Tai Tokerau MP Mariameno Kapa-Kīngi is highlighting the critical role of accountability in government spending following the conclusion of Parliament’s Scrutiny Week. Writing for the Northern Advocate, Kapa-Kīngi detailed her work as a member of the Social Services and Community Select Committee, where she examined financial allocations across 12 separate Votes to ensure taxpayer dollars are delivering for Māori and local communities. Kapa-Kīngi emphasised that Scrutiny Week remains a vital tool for holding the Government to account regarding outcomes for whānau. During the proceedings, she challenged ministers and officials on shifts in priorities, particularly at Oranga Tamariki. She raised concerns regarding the removal of performance measures that track whakapapa connections, whānau placements, and Māori contracting, noting that what gets measured is what gets prioritised by the state. While identifying areas for improvement, Kapa-Kīngi highlighted a positive development within the disability support sector. She noted the appointment of a Māori commissioning lead tasked with increasing engagement with Kaupapa Māori providers. This role is intended to address the current disparity in employment rates, where only 27% of disabled people are employed compared to 73% of non-disabled New Zealanders. Kapa-Kīngi stated that the need for strong Māori providers and targeted solutions has never been more urgent. Throughout the week, the MP remained focused on ensuring that investment—such as the nearly $1 billion allocated for digital modernization at the Ministry of Social Development—translates into tangible results for whānau rather than just bureaucracy. Kapa-Kīngi, whose career is grounded in service to iwi Māori and hapū, maintains that every legislative decision must be guided by the wellbeing of future generations. She affirmed her commitment to watching these developments closely to ensure Māori do not become an afterthought in government policy.