Mahere Whanake Māori 2025 - 2027

Our online Mahere Whanake Māori outlines the key actions and results from our Whanake Māori (Māori Workforce Development) team. The objective of the Mahere Whanake Māori 2025–2027 is to advocate for and strengthen Māori workforce development by addressing key barriers and unlocking the potential of our growing Māori population. This includes promoting education pathways, enhancing workplace diversity, and encouraging industries to better understand and respond to the aspirations of Māori communities.

This Mahere is a critical step in our commitment to supporting a broader labour market to meet the changing needs of industry, with an established pipeline of workers and skills shortages filled by enabling a more diverse workforce at every level. We want to see strategies and projects that support iwi and Māori businesses to grow the economy and lift our nation’s productivity, leading to greater prosperity for us all.

The Māori workforce holds significant untapped potential, particularly with demographic trends showing a growing and younger Māori population. The Mahere presents data, insights, and practical actions to address barriers impacting Māori workforce participation, while also highlighting key opportunities to grow the Māori economy and, in turn, Aotearoa New Zealand’s economy.

Through strategic partnerships with iwi, hapū, whānau, and industry, as well as targeted initiatives and sector engagement, we aim to create sustainable, high-impact outcomes. Our goal is to boost productivity and foster lasting prosperity across Aotearoa by unlocking the full potential of the Māori workforce.

Underpinning our mahere is the whakataukī (proverb):

“Mā tāu rourou, mā tāku rourou, ka ora ai te iwi”

From your food basket and from my food basket, the people will be sustained

This whakataukī encapsulates our approach, highlighting the collective effort required for the well-being of the community.