Questions about the economy, education and jobs have dominated the first public hui held by Auckland Council's Independent Maori Statutory Board.
About 30 people attended the meeting at Te Hana Marae in Wellsford.
Local Maori asked about the opportunity for economic development and growth.
Board chairperson David Taipari says more jobs and better education are clear priorities for Maori outside the city, where he says there is significant unemployment in rural areas.
Attendees also aired their opposition to Crest Energy's project to build a tidal power station in Kaipara Harbour.
Mr Taipari says the board's job is to make sure people's needs are met in Auckland Council's long-term planning.
The board is under no obligation to organise hui, but it wants to get out and gauge people's views, he says.
