2. Nature and scope of functions

2.2 Mission and values

Our mission is expressed by our Mäori name, Te Tautiaki i nga tini a Tangaroa. Translated this means, Guardian of the multitudes of Tangaroa.

We are proud to be part of the New Zealand public service and will maintain the highest standards of professional behaviour. We will meet our obligations as public servants to be fair, impartial, responsible and trustworthy.

We recognise the status of Mäori as tangata whenua. Our behaviour will be consistent with the responsibilities of the Crown as partner
to the Treaty of Waitangi and our specific legal obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi (Fisheries Claims) Settlement Act 1992, the Fisheries Act 1996, and the Mäori Commercial Aquaculture Claims Settlement Act 2004.

Our values are:

  • Integrity - We are professional and widely trusted. We are honest and take responsibility. We strive to be open, transparent and impartial.
  • Respect - We respect each other, tangata whenua, stakeholders, the law, and the aquatic environment. We respect and value our role as guardians of our fisheries resources.
  • Constructive relationships - We understand the sector we work in and the needs and expectations of those we work with. We maintain constructive relationships, engaging
  • effectively with others to achieve the best outcomes possible.
  • Achieving results - We approach our work with energy and drive, with a focus on achieving high quality results. We value teamwork and collaboration. We share information and recognise people's contribution to our goals.
  • Continual improvement - We embrace continual improvement in the pursuit of excellence. We are agile learners and actively develop our skills, knowledge and behaviours. We are committed to helping our people to be successful.
These values express what is important to us. They reflect how we feel about being Ministry people, how we treat others, and how we expect to be treated in turn.


Updated : 22 May 2008