The Families Commission says discussions at a wananga or workshop on Thursday will have a strong influence on government policies and reinforce Whanau Ora strategies to improve the well-being of vulnerable families and children.
The commission has brought together a number of well known speakers such as Waipareira Trust chief executive John Tamihere and academics Dr Leonie Pihama and Manuka Henare, to talk about how Maori cultural knowledge can be used as a source of innovation and creativity.
The commission's senior advisor of cultural development, Hohepa Patea, says the speakers will be talking about their first hand experience of the hardship facing low income families and how that information can be used to create better policies.
The wananga is being held at Te Mahurehure marae in Point Chevalier.