New Zealand Māori Council

The New Zealand Māori Council is a statutory representative body under the Māori Community Development Act 1962. The Act sets out the statutory role of the Council as a national policy-making body for Māori with regard to the cultural, economic, social and political wellbeing of Māori.

The New Zealand Māori Council advocates Māori policy development and supports community initiatives that contribute to te mana motuhake o te iwi Māori.

The New Zealand Māori Council is involved in a wide range of kaupapa, with a focus on giving a voice to Māori communities; negotiating directly with the Crown on issues that impact Māori; providing leadership in policy development; and supporting Māori community development through community initiatives such as Māori Wardens.

The New Zealand Māori Council is made up of 48 members, nominated from 16 District Māori Councils. Within these 16 districts, there are over 120 Māori Committees, which may be organised into clusters as Māori Executives. These Māori Committees provide a representative voice for Māori communities at a marae, papakāinga and hapū level across the country.

An elected Executive Committee of seven members is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the New Zealand Māori Council.