Māori Perspectives on Public Accountability

Understanding public accountability through a Māori lens requires more than conventional consultation; it requires a culturally-grounded approach that recognises the unique values, experiences, and expectations of Māori on effective public accountability and trust in the public sector. The Office of the Auditor-General commissioned Haemata to engage with various Māori audiences to ensure that Māori voices were not only heard but meaningfully reflected in future public sector strategies and operations.

Haemata identified and engaged with participants representing a range of Māori voices, including iwi, hapū, whānau, public servants, professionals, academics, and recipients of public services. Participants’ perspectives were shaped by their cultural identity and their experiences as Māori interacting with the public sector.

The research focused on Māori perspectives on public accountability, asking what effective public accountability means from a Māori perspective. Through this study, the Office sought to understand what good public accountability looks like for Māori and the implications these views may have for the future of public accountability.

The project resulted in a report highlighting issues the Office considers important for public organisations seeking to build and maintain trust and confidence with Māori. The findings also have implications for how the Office carries out its role and were used to inform the development of the Office’s Māori strategy, strengthening its impact on matters important to Māori.

Read the report