This content has been produced by Te Puni Kōkiri | Ministry for Māori Development.


Te Tautuhi ō Rongo Framework

Te Tautuhi ō Rongo 

Te Tautuhi ō Rongo is a practical tool developed by Te Puni Kōkiri to help public servants develop policy, engage with hapū, Iwi and Māori, and support government to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi | The Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti | the Treaty) through their work. It helps the public service apply a consistent, structured approach when preparing public policy and advice affecting Māori.  

Why it matters

Often the distinction between individual Māori citizenship rights, interest and responsibilities (like all other New Zealanders) and the collective rights, interests and responsibilities of hapū and Iwi, can be misunderstood or used interchangeably by public servants. This in turn can lead to poor policy design that does not deliver to the distinct needs of those it is designed for. In simple terms, Te Tautuhi ō Rongo acknowledges that, through the signing of  Te Tiriti | the Treaty, Māori have both individual rights and interests and collective rights and interests, as expressed through their hapū and Iwi.

Te Tautuhi ō Rongo helps agencies design policy that reflects both individual Māori citizenship and the collective rights and responsibilities of hapū and iwi. This leads to better outcomes for Māori and a stronger, more inclusive Aotearoa.

Who should do this learning

Anyone who develops policy that impacts on Māori as citizens of New Zealand, engages with hapū and Iwi and provides advice to government on these matters will benefit from understanding and applying this framework.

You can email the team at Te Puni Kōkiri at ttor@tpk.gpvt.nz if you have any questions about the Framework. They will be very happy to help you.

Video Te Tautuhi ō Rongo video

In this video you will learn:

  • What Te Tautuhi ō Rongo is
  • The component parts of the Framework
  • How the Framework can help you in your work

Te Tautuhi ō Rongo Video Transcript [DOCX, 120 KB]

Micro-learning series

A 3-part micro-learning series introducing Te Tautuhi ō Rongo. What it is, why it matters, and how to apply the framework in practice.

What is Te Tautuhi ō Rongo and why is it Important? (this link opens in a new tab)

What Is Te Tautuhi ō Rongo and Why Is It Important? – Accessible version [DOCX, 728 KB]

Te Tautuhi o Rongo - Understanding the Framework (this link opens in a new tab)

Te Tautuhi ō Rongo: Understanding the Framework – Accessible version [DOCX, 270 KB]

Te Tautuhi ō Rongo in Action (this link opens in a new tab)

Te Tautuhi ō Rongo in Action – Accessible version [DOCX, 86 KB]

Conversation starters

 Guides to support conversations about Te Tautuhi ō Rongo in small groups or teams using case studies, discussion questions and prompts.

Economic development example:

Conversation Starter Guide: Regional Investment Programme [PDF, 170 KB]

Conversation Starter Handout: Regional Investment Programme  [PDF, 113 KB]

Conversation Starter Slides: Regional Investment Programme [PPTX, 617 KB]

Guidance icon  Guidance 

To learn more about the framework and some practical steps you can take to applying it in your work, you can download a copy of the Te Tautuhi ō Rongo guidance document from the Te Puni Kokiri website. 

Additional learning

This page will be updated with additional e-learning resources in the coming weeks.