Government highlights economic opportunities for Māori as Te Matatini funding secured

Minister for Māori-Crown Relations Paul Goldsmith has outlined a positive economic forecast for Māori, citing Treasury data that predicts the creation of 220,000 new jobs over the next four years. Speaking in a discussion with RNZ’s Mihingarangi Forbes, Goldsmith stated that these new employment opportunities would provide significant benefits for Māori across all age groups as the government seeks to steady the national economy. The Minister defended the coalition government’s record, noting that national crime figures have fallen, which he argued benefits Māori who are frequently overrepresented as victims of crime. Goldsmith also highlighted the government’s commitment to Māori culture, noting he had secured $18 million in funding for Te Matatini, the prestigious national kapa haka festival. The investment represents a significant boost for the arts and cultural sector, though Labour’s Māori development spokesperson Willie Jackson also claimed a role in negotiating that support. While political debate continues regarding the current state of Crown-Māori relations, Goldsmith maintained that the government is actively engaging with Māori through the Iwi Leaders Forum and various regional groups. He rejected suggestions that relations were at a low point, instead pointing to the ongoing work across various portfolios to improve outcomes. The discussion also acknowledged the strong leadership within te ao Māori, referencing the recent Koroneihana and the mana of Te Arikinui Kuini Ngā wai hono i te pō. While leaders like Waikato-Tainui’s Tukoroirangi Morgan offered robust critiques of recent legislation, the exchange highlighted the vibrancy of Māori political engagement and the importance of Treaty-based dialogue in the lead-up to the 2026 election.