Tāngata whaikaha Māori are largely invisible in policy, planning and responses Despite these high needs and unique risks, there are major gaps in data and lack of specific provision for tāngata whaikaha Māori in policies and services. Inherent in any strategies and policies targeted at preventing violence and abuse must be a commitment to the realisation of the rights guaranteed in Te Tiriti and Indigenous rights standards. Māori with lived experience of disability are made ‘invisible’ by Crown organisations. Where Crown organisations do show responsiveness to Māori, generally this does not include Māori with lived experience of disability. Where Crown organisations show responsiveness to people with lived experience of disability, this does not usually include Māori. In turn, this leads to a sense of Crown inaction when it comes to the health and well-being interests of Māori with lived experience of disability.6 A Tiriti-based approach is required – an approach that ensures tāngata whaikaha Māori, their whānau, hapū and iwi are resourced and supported to develop and implement their own responses to violence and abuse. Such an approach should include that: tāngata whaikaha Māori are part of decision-making; tāngata whaikaha Māori as part of whānau, hapū and iwi would be enabled and supported to exercise rangatiratanga and self-determination to lead solutions; and equity for tāngata whaikaha Māori would be at the heart of any response. Colonisation, racism and discrimination have significant impacts In its Hauora report the Waitangi Tribunal recognised that where there are severe and persistent inequities, the Government’s Tiriti obligations are heightened.8 The deeper the need, the more urgent and substantial a targeted response should be. The cumulative disadvantage and discrimination, marginalisation, and inequities tāngata whaikaha experience leaves no doubt that the obligations on Government to take action and give these issues particular priority and urgency, are heightened. Although the experiences of tāngata whaikaha Māori are diverse, issues of violence against Māori sit within the broader context of colonisation. Violence within whānau has been described as the ‘manifestation of the powerlessness and dispossession of colonisation’.7 This dispossession has undermined the ability of Māori to exercise rangatiratanga authority and make decisions in accordance with tikanga and te ao Māori. The disconnection of Māori from their whānau and whakapapa as a result of colonisation has had long-lasting effects. To prevent violence and abuse against tāngata whaikaha Māori, government must recognise the compounding disadvantage, and address broader issues of colonisation, racism, intergenerational trauma and cultural disconnection. 4 A Tiriti-based approach is needed Human Rights Commission