The Minister heads the Te Puni Kōkiri (TPK, or the Ministry of Māori Development).

[8] The first Minister of Native Affairs to be ethnically Māori was James Carroll, appointed by the Liberal Party in the late 19th century.

[13][citation needed] Under the Maori Purposes Act 1947, the Ministerial title and all other government usage was changed from 'Native' to 'Maori'.

[16] During the 2014–2017 term of the Fifth National Government, Te Ururoa Flavell served as the Minister for Māori Development.

[17] Following the formation of the Sixth Labour Government, Nanaia Mahuta was appointed as Minister for Māori Development.

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