Governance in a Māori context

Updated October 2026

Strong governance helps charities meet their obligations, operate in line with their rules, and sustain their kaupapa over time.

Governance for Māori charities often reflects tikanga and collective responsibility, with decision‑making shaped by whakapapa, mana, and agreed community roles, alongside legal responsibilities required by law.

Visit our Guidance for running your charity section for information and resources to help you run your charity.

You can also access support, training, and resources from Crown, community, and specialist organisations to help strengthen governance and board capability.

Governance resources

Resource: Does your governance still support your kaupapa?

This resource is designed for kaupapa Māori charities, marae, hapū, iwi organisations, and community groups. It explains what a governance review is, why regular reviews are important, and includes practical questions and a quick checklist to help your rōpū reflect on whether its governance continues to support its kaupapa, tikanga, people, and future aspirations.

  Does your governance still support your kaupapa?

Crown and statutory support 
  • Te Puni Kōkiri

    • The Ministry of Māori Development. Provides information, advice, resources and support to help Māori individuals, whānau, hapū, iwi and organisations achieve their aspirations and development goals.

  • Te Kooti Whenua Māori

    • Information and services relating to Māori land, including ownership, trusts, Māori reservations, succession, governance and land development.

Governance and board capability 

Community and marae resources 

  • Marae Kete

    • Practical tools and resources to support marae governance and operations.