A transport system for Aotearoa He Waka Maiangi He Aotearoa

Māori have always seen the value of travel and exploration.

Since as far back as oral histories extend, travel and transportation has been integral to hapū and whānau wellbeing. Movement patterns varied significantly between different areas, depending on aspects like available resources and climate.

Aotearoa’s transport system has undergone changes since the early travellers of the nation.

We want to build on our understanding of te ao Māori in transport today to evolve and strengthen the system and ensure that progressively improves the wellbeing and liveability of Aotearoa New Zealand and all its people.

As a signatory to Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Te Tiriti), the Crown has an obligation to uphold Te Tiriti in all its interaction with Māori.

The Crown needs to demonstrate that it is actively living up to these obligations, while recognising that the Māori-Crown partnership is an evolving relationship.

While our knowledge is still developing, we know that Māori are unfairly impacted by aspects of the transport system. 

The first stage of He Waka Maiangi is about creating a stronger evidence base, which will include gathering qualitative data. This knowledge will then be shaped into a narrative report that will outline areas where aspects of transport policy and planning could be improved to deliver better outcomes for Māori now and into the future.

We will continue to update this webpage and provide new material as the project progresses.