The highest level(s) of influence this method typically matches with on the IAP2 public participation spectrum is…
Inform
To provide the public with balanced and objective information.
Consult
To obtain public feedback on analysis, alternatives and/or decisions.
Involve
To work directly with the public throughout the process.
Collaborate
To partner with the public in each aspect of the decision.
Empower
To place final decision making in the hands of the public.
Main Focus
Time
Resources
Budget
Participants
A gathering, congregation, assembly, meeting which is focused on a particular purpose or topic. While a hui is a traditional Māori gathering, it can include anyone from the community. A Hui features Māori rituals of welcome and flow of respectful conversation. A Hui can take place in a traditional meeting place such as a marae, or other local venues chosen by Māori leaders.
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*IAP2 like many organisations, is on a continuous learning journey with engagement and in particular Maori, Pasifika and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement. We will continue to update this page as we learn and grow and encourage our members to reach out and suggest improvements and updates.
What you'll need
In-person Delivery
Hui processes are guided by tikanga Māori (cultural practices) and it is essential to work with the relevant Tāngata whenua and Māori to see if the process will be appropriate and meet their needs. Other considerations include, whether this Hui is a one-off conversation or needs to be a series of conversations with Iwi choosing whether to stay involved.
- culturally appropriate venue chosen by Māori representatives (e.g a Marae or other venue)
- Staff with relevant cultural competencies and understanding of Māori people, their culture and history or a willingness to learn
- Ample time built into the process for a deep, respectful conversation
- Kai (choose mana enhancing food). Providing food that supports wellbeing also uplifts people’s mana (e.g. locally grown, organic and seasonal kai)
- Koha (a gift or financial contribution) to reaffirm the importance you place upon the relationship and show your appreciation of the work involved in hosting your group.
How to guide
A hui processes typically involves the following elements:
- opening with Karakia (a prayer), to help people move to a spiritual place and be respectful and quiet
- Mihimihi (acknowledging who you are) and whakawhanaungatanga, connecting to each other and the kaupapa,
- The meeting mahi begins and draws upon hui practices to enable storytelling, deliberations and conversation, often in a circle format to encourage a sense of community
- ending with a Māori karakia (proverb)
- hosting including kai (food) and resources.
Rose Pere (1991) provides insights into the hui process:
“Respect, consideration, patience, and cooperation. People need to feel that they have the right and the time to express their point of view. You may not always agree with the speakers, but it is considered bad form to interrupt their flow of speech while they are standing on their feet; one has to wait to make a comment. People may be as frank as they like about others at the hui, but usually state their case in such a way that the person being criticised can stand up with some dignity in his/her right of reply. Once everything has been fully discussed and the members come to some form of consensus, the hui concludes with a prayer and the partaking of food” (p. 44).
