Embedding Indigenous Governance Principles in Advisory Practices

Thought Leadership Articles

Published 21 January 2025

Viv Scott

FOREWORD

We share the following article in honour of the life and contribution of its author, Viv Scott, who sadly passed away in November 2024. Viv was a community leader, close friend, and mentor to many within the global Advisory Board Centre community. She actively contributed to the development of the sector — especially our New Zealand community — always challenging our thinking, championing quality with great fervour, and actively participating in everything we do. 


Abstract: Exploring how integrating Māori and Pacific governance principles, such as whanaungatanga (relationships), manaakitanga (hospitality), and kaitiakitanga (guardianship), can redefine best practices in advisory boards. These values can enhance advisory board dynamics, promoting collaborative decision-making and long-term thinking. This approach not only aligns with ethical business practices but also resonates with global trends towards sustainability and responsible governance.

A Global Perspective on Embedding Indigenous Principles in Advisory Practices

In recent years, there has been a growing global recognition of the value that Indigenous governance principles can bring to various sectors, including corporate and advisory practices. Countries like Canada, Australia, and the United States, alongside New Zealand, have been increasingly exploring how Indigenous values and frameworks can be integrated to enhance governance and advisory board dynamics. This movement is driven by a broader shift towards more inclusive, sustainable, and ethically grounded business practices.

Indigenous governance principles often emphasise concepts such as interconnectedness, stewardship, and respect for all community members, which align closely with contemporary trends towards sustainability and corporate social responsibility. For example, in Canada, the integration of First Nations’ principles of consultation and consensus-building has been found to improve decision-making processes in corporate boards, fostering more holistic and inclusive governance. Similarly, Australian corporations have begun to incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander practices, such as respect for the land and collective well-being, into their advisory frameworks, promoting long-term sustainability and ethical responsibility.

Embedding Indigenous principles in advisory practices also resonates with the global push for environmental stewardship. Concepts like kaitiakitanga (guardianship), which emphasise the protection and sustainable management of natural resources, are becoming increasingly relevant as businesses face mounting pressures to address climate change and environmental degradation. By integrating these principles, advisory boards can adopt a forward-looking approach that not only considers immediate business outcomes but also prioritises the long-term health of ecosystems and communities. This alignment with global sustainability goals enhances the credibility and resilience of organisations, positioning them as leaders in responsible governance.

Redefining Advisory Board Best Practices: Integrating Māori and Pacific Governance Principles in the New Zealand context

Advisory boards play a pivotal role in guiding organisations through complex landscapes, providing strategic insights and fostering effective governance. In New Zealand, there is a growing recognition that traditional advisory models can be significantly enhanced by integrating Māori and Pacific governance principles. Core values such as whanaungatanga (relationships), manaakitanga (hospitality), and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) offer powerful frameworks that not only enrich board dynamics but also align with global trends towards sustainability, inclusivity, and responsible governance. These principles, deeply rooted in the Treaty of Waitangi—a foundational co-governance document—highlight the potential of incorporating Indigenous wisdom into advisory board practices.

The Treaty of Waitangi: A Founding Co-Governance Document

The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840 between Māori chiefs and the British Crown, remains a cornerstone of New Zealand’s governance structure. It is a living document that embodies the spirit of partnership, protection, and participation, reflecting principles that resonate deeply within both Māori and Pacific communities. The Treaty emphasises co-governance, shared decision-making, and mutual respect—values that are increasingly recognised as essential components of effective governance in the 21st century.

For advisory boards, the Treaty serves as a compelling example of how governance frameworks can evolve to include diverse perspectives. The integration of Māori principles within advisory settings provides a pathway to not only honour New Zealand’s unique cultural heritage but also to enhance board effectiveness by fostering a more collaborative and inclusive approach to engagement and decision-making.

Whanaungatanga: Building Strong Relationships

Whanaungatanga, or the importance of relationships, is central to Māori and Pacific cultures. It emphasises the interconnectedness of individuals within a community, promoting a sense of belonging and mutual responsibility. In the context of advisory boards, whanaungatanga encourages members to prioritise relationship-building as a fundamental aspect of governance. This goes beyond mere networking; it involves cultivating genuine, trust-based connections among advisory board members, stakeholders, and the wider community.

Advisory boards that embrace whanaungatanga are better positioned to navigate complex issues collaboratively. By fostering open communication and creating an environment where all voices are valued, advisory boards can draw on a diverse range of insights and experiences. This not only enhances engagement but also strengthens the advisory board’s ability to act in the best interests of the organisation and its stakeholders.

Additionally, whanaungatanga encourages a holistic view of governance, where the focus is not solely on financial outcomes but also on the well-being of people and communities. This relationship-centric approach aligns with the growing emphasis on stakeholder capitalism, where companies are expected to consider the impacts of their decisions on all stakeholders, not just shareholders.

Manaakitanga: Nurturing Through Hospitality

Manaakitanga, the principle of hospitality and care, reflects the importance of nurturing relationships through respect, kindness, and support. Within advisory boards, manaakitanga translates into a governance style that values empathy and active listening. It encourages advisory boards to create inclusive spaces where members feel respected and empowered to contribute fully.

This principle also extends to how advisory boards interact with external stakeholders. By adopting a manaakitanga approach, advisory boards can enhance their engagement strategies, demonstrating genuine care and responsiveness to the needs of their communities. This can be particularly powerful in sectors such as aged care, health, and education, where trust and respect are critical to success.

Manaakitanga also challenges boards to think beyond the boardroom, considering how their decisions impact people at all levels of the organisation. It promotes a culture of care and accountability, encouraging boards to act as guardians of their organisation’s values and to lead with compassion.

Kaitiakitanga: Guardianship and Sustainable Governance

Kaitiakitanga, or guardianship, emphasises the responsibility to protect and sustain resources for future generations. This principle is deeply rooted in Māori and Pacific worldviews, where the land, sea, and natural resources are seen as taonga (treasures) that must be cared for. Kaitiakitanga aligns closely with global trends towards sustainability and environmental stewardship, offering a framework for advisory boards to incorporate long-term thinking into their governance practices.

Adopting kaitiakitanga means that advisory boards prioritise sustainable decision-making, considering not only the immediate impacts of their actions but also the long-term implications for the environment, communities, and future stakeholders. This approach encourages boards to advocate for responsible business practices, supporting initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and social responsibility.

Kaitiakitanga also inspires a forward-looking governance style, where boards are not just reactive but proactive in their stewardship roles. By integrating this principle, advisory boards can lead organisations towards more sustainable futures, aligning with international standards and responding to increasing demands from consumers and investors for ethical business practices.

Enhancing Advisory Board Dynamics Through Indigenous Values

Integrating Māori and Pacific governance principles into advisory boards redefines best practices by embedding values that promote collaboration, respect, and sustainability. Whanaungatanga enhances board dynamics through strong, trust-based relationships; manaakitanga fosters an inclusive and compassionate governance culture; and kaitiakitanga drives a commitment to sustainable decision-making.

These values are not just relevant to New Zealand—they offer universal lessons for advisory boards worldwide. As organisations increasingly seek to navigate complex global challenges, including climate change, social inequities, and economic uncertainty, the principles of Māori and Pacific governance provide a roadmap for more resilient, responsible, and effective governance.

Louise Broekman, founder of the Advisory Board Centre has said that “integrating Indigenous governance principles into advisory practices not only enriches board dynamics but also aligns with global trends towards sustainability and responsible governance. By embracing values like whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, and kaitiakitanga, advisory boards can foster a more inclusive, ethical, and forward-thinking approach to decision-making.”

By embracing these Indigenous values, advisory boards can move beyond traditional governance models, fostering an approach that is deeply aligned with the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. This approach not only honours New Zealand’s cultural heritage but also positions advisory boards at the forefront of ethical and sustainable business leadership, setting new standards for governance excellence in a rapidly changing world.