Maori Network

The Maori name for the New Zealand Customs Service is 'Te Mana Arai o Aoteoroa' and means 'The authority that screens and protects New Zealand'.

Within Te Mana Arai there is a group of staff called 'The Maori Network', the Maori name for which is 'Te Whatunga Mana Arai Maori o Aoteoroa'.  This formal grouping of predominately Maori staff has been active since the early 1990s and today consists of members from most of Customs' offices around New Zealand, with greater numbers working in the Auckland area.

The Network's objectives are:

• to help the Service to meet its responsibilities to Maori under the Treaty of Waitangi and the Principles for Crown action attributed thereto
• to promote, protect and develop understanding of tikanga (cultural beliefs and practices) and te reo (Maori language)
• to promote a sense of whakawhanaungatanga (family relationships) and belonging to Customs' Maori staff
• to help Maori staff achieve their full employment potential in the Service

Regional kaumatua (elders) assist the Network in its activities as required.

If you are interested in joining the Network or if you have any queries relating to Customs' Maori activities, contact the Principal Advisor Maori, Iti Paenga, on 09 359 6671.