Te Puni Kōkiri 2.72

Te Puni Kōkiri is the public service department of New Zealand charged with advising the government on policies and issues affecting the Māori community.TPK's current name literally means, 'a group moving forward together'HistoryUntil The Maori Purposes Act of 1947 changed the word 'Native' to 'Māori' government-wide, the department was known as the Department of Native Affairs.Māori loan affairBetween 1986 and 1987 TPK was embroiled in the Māori loan affair, which involved the Ministry attempting to raise overseas funds for Maori development purposes in an unauthorised way.2014 restructureIn August 2014, it was announced that TPK would be undergoing a restructure effective by 3 November 2014, with approximately 80 staff losing their jobs.