Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples is setting up a youth council so policymakers can hear directly from rangatahi.
Dr Sharples says he's concerned the views of under-25-year-olds, who make up a large proportion of the Maori population, are not being heard.
He's called for nominations for a 15-member council to reflect the views of young Maori. He told Waatea News:
"We've been guided by iwi leaders, by urban needs and national government policy, but at the end of the day we've got to be working for the future and I think it's time to be guided by the youth."
Irrespective of their political allegiance, Dr Sharples says, all Maori MPs will value feedback from such a council.
