Foreword

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This landmark report by the Ministry of Women's Affairs significantly advances our knowledge of the differences in the experiences of Māori and non-Māori women. It is another milestone in providing a model for the analysis of data by gender and ethnicity. Using gender disparity indicators across six sectors, Māori Women identifies inequalities that exist between Māori women, Māori men, non-Māori women and non-Māori men and, through further analysis, provides new information about the existing status of Māori women and girls.

The report is a resource for whānau, hapū and iwi to assist them in identifying their own priorities for development. The findings also indicate that government agencies need to engage with Māori women and, in partnership with them, build on the rich, diverse experience and insights Māori women themselves have to devise programmes and enterprises which affirm, celebrate and enhance their success and advance their progress. Fundamental in this work is observance of the Crown's Treaty of Waitangi principles of partnership, participation and protection.

Māori Women emphasises the need for a more strategic approach to improving outcomes for Māori women. Areas for action in each of the six sectors are identified. Moreover, the links between housing, employment, income, education, health and criminal justice highlighted by the research provide the basis for the suggestion in the report that inter-departmental co-operation and coordination are the key to maximising benefits for Māori women. Such co-ordination should also enable a more integrated and holistic approach to policy development and implementation across sectors. The Ministry of Women's Affairs' contribution to this work will be through consultation with Māori women and other agencies during the development of a Women's Strategy, and its work with key agencies to ensure analysis and monitoring is consistently carried out to improve outcomes for Māori women.

Te Korowai Wahine, the Ministry's Māori Advisory Group, supports the findings of Māori Women. Members affirm its value for raising awareness of the lives of Māori women and girls and the opportunities for enhancement.

I hope this report will be a catalyst for a new dialogue between the Government and Māori women. It should inspire departments to actively engage with Māori women to ensure they are fully involved in charting their futures.

Hon Laila Harré
Minister of Women's Affairs

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