MAIHI Whare Wānanga The interpretation of Te Tiriti o Waitangi is a recent introduction for the housing sector, although already applied in health sector principles and policies. In the contemporary context of housing, Te Tiriti o Waitangi is recognised in housing legislation (including the Kāinga Ora – Homes and Communities Act 2019 and Urban Development Act 2020), plans and policies. The recognition of Te Tiriti o Waitangi is particularly evident in MAIHI Ka Ora, which stresses the new strategy is an “expression of the articles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi”.89 MAIHI Ka Ora (a renewal and refresh of the He Whare Āhuru He Oranga Tāngata Māori Housing Strategy) highlights the past failures of previous strategies that did not adequately engage with Māori and failed to include accountability measures and measurable outcomes. As a response, the adoption of the MAIHI Whare Wānanga under MAIHI Ka Ora is a model that reflects mutual and joint accountability. The MAIHI Whare Wānanga is essentially a partnership between Māori and the government to oversee the delivery of MAIHI Ka Ora – many of the parties are reflected in the MAIHI Māori Housing Strategy and conceptual framework. It appears the model has formed similarly to the three-house treaty model,90 (see Webster and Cheyne) which is a treaty-based approach to partnership that includes many iwi/hapū and Māori organisations and Crown agencies who come together twice a year (to date). The exercise of tikanga Māori is evident in the process in the way the meeting has been structured. It also appears to be an inclusive forum to demonstrate across Aotearoa the 38 extensive work that is taking place and how many Māori organisations are challenging mainstream processes and practices but also how they are working with government representatives. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development recognises that MAIHI Whare Wānanga is a pathway for collaboration and consensus with partners that enables a process that focuses on transparency, trust, and transition.91 Further, the Associate Minister of Housing (Māori Housing) Hon. Peeni Henare has specific responsibilities to the MAIHI Whare Wānanga, which provides great leadership to oversee and connect with government agencies and the Māori housing sector. Regarding the concept of accountability, this is a collective approach to implementation and accountability. This is a precedent reflecting an accountability approach for agencies concerning Te Tiriti o Waitangi. In addition, the MAIHI Ka Ora Implementation Plan outlines a clear pathway and series of actions within an accountability framework reflecting who will lead, design, and deliver solutions with targets and measures.92 We recognise the innovative and influential approach to the Māori-Crown partnership in the Māori housing space thus far. However, without clear, robust, and transparent accountability mechanisms in place in the Kāwana as a Treaty partner identifying where accountability lies, our observation is that it is challenging to independently and publicly track and monitor whether the partners are fulfilling their accountabilities and responsibilities. Te Kāhui Tika Tangata New Zealand Human Rights Commission Housing Inquiry