What Does True Partnership with Māori Look Like?

This is a question we’re asked often—not only by those in the public and private sectors but also by iwi and hapū.

“What’s your interpretation of partnership?”“What does it actually mean?”

At Kākano Consulting, we see partnership as being a lot like a marriage. It's an agreement to work together—built on shared values, mutual respect, and the understanding that it won’t always be easy. Like any meaningful relationship, there will be moments of challenge, disagreement, and growth.

True partnership means recognising where you're aligned, and working together to achieve something that may not have been possible alone.

In our experience as a Māori consultancy based in Auckland, the strength of any partnership—particularly iwi engagement—is most visible in the hard times. It’s in those testing moments that the health of a relationship becomes clear.

When both partners can show up with authenticity, transparency, and humility—when we can admit our mistakes and apologise sincerely—partnership deepens. This process must go both ways, but it's particularly important to acknowledge the context of colonisation in Aotearoa.

Often, the Crown (and its representatives in government and infrastructure delivery) needs to lead with an apology for historic mamae—hurt that runs deep for many Māori, iwi and hapū.

We understand that this can feel difficult. Some in the public and private sectors wonder why they must apologise for something they personally had no part in, or for events that happened 100 to 200 years ago.

But these gestures aren’t just about the past—they’re about acknowledging the pain caused, and creating space for healing and understanding. We've witnessed some of the most beautiful partnerships emerge from these moments of raw honesty.

Setting the Foundation in Māori Partnerships

In any relationship, it helps to agree early on how you'll handle disagreement. What’s the tikanga—the agreed process—when things don’t go to plan? This matters even more in iwi engagement, where cultural values and lived histories shape how issues are approached.

Like in any marriage, you’re working with different people, different whakaaro (thoughts), tirohanga (perspectives), and mātāpono (values).

Upfront kōrero is essential.What are the aspirations for this partnership?What are your shared goals—and where might tensions lie?

These early conversations create clarity, allowing iwi, hapū and Māori organisations to make informed choices about how, and whether, they wish to engage.

Each Partner Brings Unique Strengths

Like a marriage, each party brings their own strengths to the tēpu (table).

In iwi engagement, this often shows up as complementary knowledge systems. One partner may bring technical expertise in infrastructure or consenting, while the other holds deep cultural knowledge, lived experience, and connection to whenua and whānau.

Recognising and valuing these contributions is key.

Maintaining the Health of the Partnership

Strong partnerships don’t run on autopilot.

They need regular check-ins. Is the relationship still working well? Are you aligned in your goals, or have things shifted? What’s going well, and what needs attention?

These conversations reduce the chance of surprise issues or misalignment down the line. Addressing things early means they don’t fester.

And just as importantly—celebrate the wins together.

If your partnership with Māori has contributed to a key milestone—such as a successful resource consent or infrastructure project delivery—acknowledge and honour that with your iwi and hapū partners.

It’s not just your win. It’s a shared achievement.

How is your partnership going?

At Kākano Consulting, we support organisations across Aotearoa—particularly in Auckland and throughout the North Island—to navigate meaningful iwi engagement and build strong, culturally grounded partnerships with Māori.

Whether you're just beginning your journey or looking to deepen existing relationships, we can walk alongside you.

Let’s kōrero.

Contact us or explore more about our Māori consultancy services in iwi engagement, cultural capability, and partnership development.