Government Agencies Champion Māori Capability and Te Reo Use in New Workplace Diversity Plans

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and Treasury have unveiled new workforce diversity action plans that prioritise the growth of Māori leadership and the everyday use of te reo Māori. As reported by the NZ Herald, these initiatives aim to integrate te ao Māori into the core systems of the public service, ensuring the workforce reflects the diversity of Aotearoa New Zealand. MBIE’s plan includes the implementation of the Mahere Kaimahi Māori Strategy 2026, designed to strengthen outcomes for Māori staff and address leadership development gaps. The agency is also planning specific initiatives to support the everyday use of te reo Māori for the 2026/27 period. A spokesperson for MBIE noted the ministry's commitment to ensuring internal systems remain fair and merit-based while fostering a sense of inclusion and belonging. At Treasury, building Māori capability remains a high priority with the establishment of a permanent principal Māori capability lead. The agency has introduced a new karakia that reinforces its values and provides guidance for using its wharenui, Ngā Mokopuna a Tāne, to normalise te reo and tikanga in daily practice. Treasury also reports strong demand for its te reo courses and continues to host quarterly mihi whakatau sessions supported by its in-house waiata group, Te Puna Wai. Public Service Association (PSA) Te Kaihautū Māori spokesman Jack McDonald welcomed the plans, stating they demonstrate a commitment to representing the vibrant and diverse nature of New Zealand. While the plans have faced scrutiny regarding their alignment with coalition priorities, the agencies maintain that these strategies align with the Public Service Act. The reports also highlight efforts to close ethnic pay gaps and utilise platforms like Kumara Vine to attract Māori and Pasifika talent, ensuring a broader pool of expertise within the public sector.