In January 2024, Te Āti Awa called a hui for Māori working in and with the public service. The purpose of the hui: whakawhanaungatanga and manaakitanga. Approximately 300 kaimahi Māori, iwi and community members attended and as a tira we checked in on each other and we shared ideas about how to strengthen our support for each other.

Many insights were shared throughout the day. The hui highlighted the impacts of the current political environment on dynamics within organisations and on kaimahi Māori. Participants shared feelings of invisibility, disempowerment, and the struggle to navigate the evolving landscape. There was widespread uncertainty and a recognition of a lack of clear communication within organisations or from the centre, contributing to feelings of confusion and instability. There was particular worry expressed about the safety and anxiety levels of younger individuals in the public service, highlighting concerns for the future of the workforce. There was a call for clarity, acknowledgment, and support.

Āpiti atu, ānei tētahi kaupapa hei tautoko i ngā kaimahi Māori. Te Kōrero Piriahi a te Rangatira is a virtual kōrero hosted by Te Rau Hihiri with Lil Anderson - Chief Executive, Te Arawhiti; Paula Rawiri - Deputy Chief Executive, Te Puni Kōkiri; and Janice Panoho - Te Kaihautuu Māori, Public Service Association Te Pukenga Here Tikanga Mahi.

With Waiwhetū as the backdrop, we ask these rangatira for their advice and strategies for navigating the current environment.