Far North iwi will sign a unique agreement with 11 government departments on Wednesday which the tribes say will help stop taxpayer money going into a "deep, dark hole".
Ngai Takoto trustee Rangitane Marsden. Photo: RNZ
Under the Social Accord, Te Rarawa, Te Aupouri and Ngai Takoto will have a more of a say in how the Crown spends its money. The iwi say the delivery of state services has been inefficient.
Ngai Takoto trustee Rangitane Marsden said the parties will focus on improving education, health and housing, and work to create jobs to stop locals leaving the region.
Mr Marsen said there is an exodus of young people from the Far North who want a better life and job opportunities as the area is offering nothing. He says the situation is tragic because those people are the future.
Mr Marsden said the accord is not just for Maori - it's for everyone.
The agreements will be signed at Parliament.
The agencies are: the Ministry of Social Development, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Enterprise (containing the Economic Development, Labour and Building and Housing portfolios), New Zealand Police, the Department of Corrections, the Department of Internal Affairs (including the National Library, National Archives and Te Papa), Te Puni Kokiri and Statistics New Zealand.