Hon WILLIE JACKSON: On behalf of the Minister, Te Ara Mahi Māori was appointed as an independent reference group to help inform the development of the Māori Employment Action Plan. Te Ara Mahi Māori was made up of leaders in their fields and provided representation right across the Māori community. Te Ara Mahi Māori held 11 hui in total, travelling across the motu, from Kaikohe and Tāmaki-makau-rau to Ōtautahi, to Ōtepoti, engaging with over 150 people: rangatahi, mana whenua, training and education providers, community groups, employment services, local government employers, and unions. Through the engagement undertaken by Te Ara Mahi, we've been able to capture as many perspectives as possible, which have gone on to inform and develop the actions in the plan announced today. Can I say, in finishing, some of the emphasis, particularly on Māori women, who are at the bottom end of those statistics, makes me very happy, and I know it has got a lot of support from Ministers and people right across the House.