Appendix A: Summary of the Inquiry’s findings and recommendations Strengthening Accountability and Participation in the Housing System46 Report findings The Government Policy Statement on Housing and Urban Development and MAIHI Ka Ora: The National Māori Housing Strategy 2021–2051 provide a welcome shift towards the type of housing strategy required by human rights, and both will benefit from being reinforced and supported by: • effective and accessible forms of constructive accountability • informed, inclusive, meaningful, public participation and engagement. Effective and accessible accountability arrangements in relation to the right to a decent home grounded on te Tiriti o Waitangi do not yet exist in the kāwanatanga sphere. This accountability deficit places Aotearoa in breach of its legally binding international human rights obligations. Although public participation and democratic engagement already have a place in the housing system, they need strengthening. Report recommendations 1. An Act of Parliament that sets out key principles and Tiriti obligations to guide all housing initiatives. 2. An independent constructive accountability mechanism for the housing system. 3. An independent advisory and advocacy group grounded on te Tiriti o Waitangi. Discussion Paper: Understanding Accountability for Māori47 This report explores the crucial role of te ao Māori accountability, grounded in tikanga Māori (Māori customary practices) and aligned with Māori values and principles, in decision making regarding Māori housing. This paper aims to lay the groundwork for a collaborative approach with Māori partners, particularly within the housing sector. It examines various models and examples to explore accountability relationships, including Māori accountability to Māori, Crown accountability to Māori, Crown accountability to Tangata Tiriti and Māori accountability to the Crown. It identifies options aligned with te Tiriti o Waitangi, such as the model developed for the independent Māori Health Authority, along with suggestions for mutual accountability and self-determination. Report findings Te Ao Māori accountability is based on tikanga Māori in conjunction with kaupapa, kawa, kaitiakitanga, whakapapa, wairuatanga and mātauranga Māori. Tikanga Māori is intertwined in values and principles and is context related. Further work is needed on the mechanism that may best operate in the relational sphere between te kāwanatanga and rangatiratanga, including mutual accountability and its benefits to parties. Effective mechanisms for ensuring accountability in the kāwana sphere are needed. The more autonomy, the higher and more stringent the accountability expectations likely in the public sector. Performance may increase with autonomy. The rights to a decent home may best be advanced for Māori through an independent Māori housing kāhui. 38 Human Rights Commission