6 Nov 2013

Minister says TPK changes will deliver better results for Maori

12:30 pm on 6 November 2013

The Minister for Maori Affairs has outlined changes to the Maori Development agency he says will help the Crown deliver better results for Maori.

Pita Sharples says Te Puni Kokiri's work has become too thinly spread with its responsibilities now across a range of sectors including social, economic, natural resources, and culture and heritage.

At the same he says the Maori population is becoming more diverse and Te Puni Kokiri needs to focus its efforts to to have more influence and impact.

That will include providing leadership and guidance to ministers and the state sector on the Crown's relationships with iwi, hapu and whanau.

Dr Sharples says the agency will develop trials and investments to get better results for Maori.