As a Māori-owned and operated business registered with Amotai in New Zealand, VisaMaxNZ fully supports the recommendations outlined by the Productivity Commission on engaging with Māori in good faith to reflect Te Tiriti o Waitangi in immigration policy and institutions. We believe that incorporating Tikanga Māori principles into immigration policies and processes is essential to ensure that Māori are given the respect and recognition they deserve as tangata whenua.
We also acknowledge that the Commission rightly acknowledges that it has neither the mana nor the expertise to make definitive recommendations on how best to reflect Te Tiriti in immigration policy and institutions. However, we appreciate the recognition that Te Tiriti is a partnership, and engagement with Māori is essential to ensure that immigration policies and institutions are culturally appropriate, sensitive, and respectful.
As a business owner who identifies as Māori, I can attest to the importance of recognising Māori values and beliefs in all aspects of life, including immigration policies and institutions. Incorporating Tikanga Māori principles into the national structure of the immigration system is critical to supporting the settlement and integration of migrants and refugees in New Zealand.
We also agree that engagement with Māori should be a fundamental part of the process of developing a Government Policy Statement (GPS) for immigration. As the Commission notes, questions remain over how to coordinate the local and regional character of engagement with Māori with the national structure of the immigration system and the international dimensions of immigration. However, we believe that the government can work with Māori communities and other stakeholders to develop policies and procedures that reflect Māori values and beliefs and are culturally appropriate, sensitive, and respectful.
Building on the recommendations made by the Productivity Commission, here are some specific ways that Māori principles can be incorporated into the immigration framework in New Zealand:
Establishing partnerships with Māori: Te Tiriti o Waitangi is a partnership agreement between Māori and the Crown. Therefore, the government must establish partnerships with Māori communities and involve them in the development of immigration policies and institutions.
Developing policies that recognise Māori values: The government should develop policies that recognise Māori values such as kaitiakitanga (guardianship), manaakitanga (hospitality), and whanaungatanga (relationships). This will ensure that the immigration system is culturally appropriate, sensitive, and respectful.
Incorporating te reo Māori: Incorporating te reo Māori into immigration policies and procedures is an excellent way to recognise and respect the Māori language and culture. This could include the use of Te Reo in forms and documents, as well as providing Māori language resources to new migrants.
Recognising and respecting the Treaty of Waitangi: The principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the founding document of New Zealand, are essential to understanding how the government can better reflect Māori and te ao Māori in immigration policy and institutions. Here are some of the key principles of Te Tiriti:
- Partnership: Te Tiriti is a partnership agreement between Māori and the Crown. It recognises that both parties have a shared responsibility for the well-being of Aotearoa New Zealand.
- Participation: The principles of participation and active engagement underpin Te Tiriti. It recognises that Māori have the right to participate in decision-making processes that affect them.
- Protection: Te Tiriti provides protection for Māori and their rights, including their land, resources, and taonga (treasures).
- Tino Rangatiratanga: The principle of Tino Rangatiratanga, or self-determination, recognises Māori as the rightful owners and guardians of their lands, resources, and taonga.
- Kāwanatanga: The Principle of Kāwanatanga, or governance, acknowledges the Crown's right to govern Aotearoa New Zealand, subject to the principles of Te Tiriti.
The Treaty of Waitangi is the founding document of New Zealand and must be recognised and respected in all aspects of life, including immigration policies and institutions. The government should work with Māori communities to develop immigration policies and procedures that reflect the principles of the Treaty.
Incorporating Māori knowledge and expertise: Māori knowledge and expertise should be incorporated into the development of immigration policies and institutions. This could include the involvement of Māori experts in advisory and decision-making roles, as well as the incorporation of Māori knowledge systems into policy development processes.
Finally, as the Matariki public holiday approaches in July 2023, we are reminded of the importance of celebrating and acknowledging Māori culture and traditions.
In conclusion, VisaMaxNZ fully supports the recommendations outlined by the Productivity Commission and believes that the government should engage with Māori in good faith to reflect Te Tiriti o Waitangi in immigration policy and institutions. We also believe that incorporating Tikanga Māori principles into the national structure of the immigration system is critical to supporting the settlement and integration of migrants and refugees in New Zealand. We look forward to seeing the government take action on these recommendations to work in partnership with Māori to develop policies and procedures that reflect Māori values and beliefs.
