National believes that when Māori succeed, New Zealand succeeds. The New Zealand National Party has a proud tradition of supporting Māori to unleash the potential of their whenua, their land. Sir Apirana Ngata, the legendary National Party native affairs Minister during the early 20th century, embarked on a programme of enabling Māori to develop their land. Sir Apirana Ngata pressed ahead with land development schemes and initiated schemes across New Zealand where he could find underdeveloped Māori land in local communities willing to work it. Through this legislation, National is backing Māori aspirations and broadening opportunities by enabling Māori to unlock the strategic potential of their resources.