Things to keep in mind when engaging with Māori

People are often using their own time to participate, so ensure their time is best used in a way that influences your decision-making.

Think about involving potential participants in your planning. The most successful process can be one developed in partnership with participants.

Also, be clear about your purpose in seeking to engage Māori.

• What information do you need?
• What outcome are you seeking?
• How will input from participants most effectively contribute to this outcome?

Be explicit about your purpose. This way, you will get what you need from the exercise, and participants will feel satisfied when they see how their contribution is reflected in the outcome.

Don't promise what you can't deliver.

• Be objective – recognise the limitations of your knowledge and understanding.
• Be open and honest – be candid about what will happen with the information gathered, and what is and what isn't possible.
• Be realistic about what you can and cannot achieve.
• Be committed to helping where you can and making good on the promises made by your agency.

Be aware and have respect for kawa (protocols) and tikanga (customs) when engaging with Māori. This is a prerequisite for developing relationships of mutual goodwill and co-operation.

If you aren't experienced in working with Māori, seek help from people who are. Your first source of advice will be the staff within your own agency responsible for advising on work with Māori.

Visit the site Maori.org.nz for detailed information on kawa and tikanga, or check out some of the related resources listed below on this site.

Because each iwi, hapū or Māori group has its own particular customs, the best way to find out what's expected of you is to ask the group concerned beforehand.

Many Māori prefer face-to-face communication, so try not to rely on written communication alone. If you do require written submissions, organise at least one face-to-face meeting as well.

Māori culture is based on a holistic view of life and the world. This holistic worldview can mean that participants may raise issues you perceive to be outside your brief. Be prepared to listen and consider these issues before moving to your particular area of focus. Also be ready to follow up these issues, or advise on more appropriate contacts if the matter is outside your brief.

You will be seen as a representative of the government. Your engagement will occur in the context of a group's history and dealings with government. You may be expected to be aware of past interactions: what was said, what commitments were made, and what was delivered. If you are not, you may be reminded of what happened, especially if the results were less than satisfactory. Remember that what is said to you is not personal; it is said to you in your role as an agent of the government.

Consider the time and resource constraints on the people with whom you're hoping to engage. Iwi and other Māori organisations often have a limited capacity for working with government, and a number of competing priorities.

Think about how you can limit the burden on these groups. For instance, when planning hui, think of costs such as koha, marae/venue hire and catering. Also aim to ensure you give reasonable notice of meetings. Decision-making by consensus can require a high level of community involvement and debate, and leaders can be reluctant to express views that have not been approved by group members. Allowing sufficient lead-in time for participants to prepare is, therefore, especially important.

Participation will be worthwhile for Māori when they can see that their contribution has affected the overall outcome of your exercise. So it's essential to give feedback to participants on:

• how you used the information you received
• to what extent this information influenced the final decision
• how any unresolved issues will be addressed.