Kotahitanga and Treaty Policy in Social and Health Services
While current politics and media portray Te Tiriti o Waitangi in divisive ways, it’s good to remember that the Treaty, when honoured in its true spirit, is the basis for kotahitanga —the unity of our shared nationhood.
At the Policy Place we help agencies give practical effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi through responsive policies based on the principles of partnership, equity, and self-determination that form the heart of Te Tiriti.
In this post we want to encourage other agencies with their Treaty policies and processes. We address how the Treaty is integral to inclusion and cohesion not only within organisations but also at a national level.
The Treaty as a Cornerstone for Kotahitanga
Te Tiriti o Waitangi is a living testament to the principles of partnership, equity, and self-determination that form the bedrock of our national identity. By embedding these principles into organisational policies, we honour our past and actively build a more united future where every community feels valued and empowered. Good Treaty policies foster inclusion and provide a practical framework through which agencies can promote social cohesion and work together to overcome divisions.
Integrating the Hauora Report Principles: A Pathway to Unity
The Waitangi Tribunal’s Hauora Report offers clear guidance for integrating Treaty principles into health and social services. It highlights five essential principles that serve as pillars for kotahitanga:
- Partnership – Build genuine, respectful relationships ensuring that Māori voices are central in all decision-making processes.
- Equity – Actively work to redress disparities by ensuring that services are tailored to meet the unique needs of Māori and other marginalised groups.
- Active Protection – Safeguard Māori wellbeing and rights by embedding culturally appropriate practices and proactive measures within service delivery.
- Participation – Actively encourage Māori and Pasifika involvement in services that impact their communities and at all levels including governance and management.
- Rangatiratanga – Respect and support Māori authority and self-determination, affirming the right of Māori to lead and shape the services that affect their lives.
By aligning with these principles, organisations not only support Te Tiriti but also contribute to a broader vision of national unity where every voice is heard and respected.
Modeling Inclusion Through Robust Treaty Policies
As a policy agency, The Policy Place supports diverse agencies with their policies and in particular, to achieve well-crafted Treaty policies that foster kotahitanga and an inclusive environment. Through effective policies and procedures agencies can translate Treaty principles into everyday practice, ensuring that all procedures and processes contribute to unity and cultural responsiveness.
Key Policy and Procedure Considerations
Developing Comprehensive Policy Frameworks
It’s important that policy documents explicitly reference the Treaty principles—partnership, equity, active protection, participation, and rangatiratanga. Incorporate these principles into mission statements, strategic plans, and operational guidelines so that they become embedded in the organisation’s DNA.
Stakeholder Engagement and Input
To ensure responsive policies organisations should provide clear processes for input and feedback from Māori internal and external stakeholders at all levels. This could include setting up advisory groups, holding regular forums, or incorporating community and whānau feedback loops to ensure that policies remain relevant and responsive.
Clear Guidelines for Implementation
Create detailed procedures that translate Treaty principles into actionable steps. For example, outline how to engage Māori leadership in decision-making, ensure culturally safe practices, and monitor outcomes to ensure that equity is achieved in service delivery.
Regular Policy Reviews and Continuous Improvement
Implement mechanisms for regular policy audits and reviews to assess compliance and effectiveness. This includes setting measurable objectives, gathering data, and using community feedback to make iterative improvements. A scheduled review process ensures that policies remain dynamic and responsive to emerging needs.
Training and Capacity Building
Develop procedures for ongoing training and professional development focused on cultural competency and the practical application of Treaty principles. Ensure that kaimahi/staff understand their roles in upholding these policies and are equipped with the necessary skills to implement them effectively.
Kotahitanga and Quality Standards
The Social Sector Accreditation Standards and Ngā Paerewa set standards for the governance, management and delivery of services. They provide frameworks that can help agencies embed the Treaty at all organisational levels.
Social Sector Accreditation Standards
These standards apply to social services funded by agencies like MSD, Oranga Tamariki, Ministry of Justice and Corrections. Particularly at levels 1-3, they stipulate several criteria directed at equity and inclusion. They guide agencies to:
- Embed Treaty principles into their core values and operational practices.
- Prioritise delivery and outcomes for Māori.
- Monitor and continuously improve their cultural responsiveness.
Ngā Paerewa: A Framework for Culturally Responsive Excellence
Ngā Paerewa Health & Disability Service Standard is a national framework that integrates the Treaty and cultural responsiveness into multiple criteria across health services. Its approach is designed to foster kotahitanga by:
- Embedding the Treaty – Agencies are required to integrate the Treaty principles—including partnership, equity, active protection, participation, and rangatiratanga—into every aspect of their operations. This ensures that these values drive service design, implementation, and evaluation.
- Enhancing Cultural Responsiveness – Prescribes clear criteria for cultural responsiveness across service delivery, requires inclusive and person/whānau- led decision-making and culturally safe environments that reflect the diverse needs of the communities they serve.
- Promoting Continuous Improvement – Encourages organisations to continually assess and refine their practices based on feedback and evolving needs, which helps to strengthen the bonds of inclusion and unity.
Practical Resources for Implementing Treaty Principles
To help our online policy clients implement their policies, we include Helpful links. To help people who are not yet part of our online policy service with implementing Te Tiriti o Waitangi in their organisation, here are some of helpful links:
Diversity, Equity and inclusion
Ngā Rerenga o Te Tiriti Community organisations enaging with the Treaty of Waitangi
Working with Māori -Te Toka Tumoana Policy, Oranga Tamariki Practice Centre
Te Tiriti o Waitangi, colonisation and racism (youtube)
Ministry of Health, Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Te Tiriti) Framework
Waitangi Tribunal Reports website
Moving Forward Together: A Call for Kotahitanga
In these divisive times, embracing Te Tiriti o Waitangi through organisational policies is a powerful statement of unity and shared nationhood.
This Waitangi Day, let us reaffirm our commitment to building a future where our services truly reflect New Zealand’s rich cultural tapestry. By embedding the principles of the Treaty—articulated in the Waitangi Tribunal’s Hauora Report and operationalised through policies and procedures —we can model inclusion and create a more united, equitable society.