[6] Te Puni Kōkiri, or the Ministry of Māori Development, traces its origins to the missionary-influenced Protectorate Department, which existed between 1840 and 1846.

The Protectorate was also tasked with advising the Governor on matters relating to Māori and acting as an interpreter for the courts, colonial officials, and the military.

After the abolition of the Rūnanga system, Native Department conducted its activities through a network of resident magistrates, commissioners, assessors, police and mail carriers.

Under the First Labour Government, the Native Department's priorities shifted to promoting economic equality and employment for the Māori population.

Housing and land development continued and both Māori and Pakeha benefited from the government's welfare state policies.

[5] Under the terms of the Ka Awatea report, Te Puni Kōkiri was to focus on policy advice and monitoring roles, supported by a network of regional offices.

The Ministry was tasked with advising and monitoring mainstream government departments on the provision of services to the Māori community.

After 1992, the Ministry's focus shifted from welfare provision towards stimulating economic growth, paid employment, and education as a means of eliminating poverty.

[5] In August 2014, it was announced that TPK would be undergoing a restructure effective by 3 November 2014, with approximately 80 staff losing their jobs.