Kelvin Davis: Ministerial Career in the Sixth Labour Government
Kelvin Davis served as a prominent figure in New Zealand's Sixth Labour Government, holding several high-ranking portfolios focused on Māori relations, justice, and social welfare. Representing the electorate of Te Tai Tokerau, Davis was re-elected in 2017 and 2020, establishing himself as a key leader within the Labour Party during a period of significant coalition and majority governance.
Despite his seniority as the deputy leader of the party, Davis's tenure was marked by a complex relationship with the parliamentary spotlight. While he held the rank of third-ranked Cabinet minister, he notably declined the role of deputy prime minister, a position that eventually went to Finance Minister Grant Robertson.
Key Facts
- Political Standing: Served as the third-ranked Cabinet minister and deputy leader of the Labour Party.
- Te Arawhiti: Established the Office for Māori Crown Relations to bridge the gap between the Pākehā public service and te ao Māori (the Māori world).
- Corrections: Oversaw a reduction in the prison population from 213 to 149 people per 100,000.
- Children's Welfare: Led reforms to devolve Oranga Tamariki services to iwi and community providers.
- Electoral Success: Won three consecutive terms as the MP for Te Tai Tokerau.
Minister for Māori–Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti
At the start of the Sixth Labour Government, Davis became the first person to hold the newly created Māori–Crown relations portfolio. To operationalize this role, he oversaw the 2018 establishment of Te Arawhiti (the Office for Māori Crown Relations). Through a series of hui (meetings), Davis defined the department's mission to improve the capabilities of the Pākehā public service regarding the Treaty of Waitangi.
Davis aimed to ensure that government agencies understood Māori language, customs, and worldviews, reducing the need for Māori to constantly justify their perspectives to the state. While some political commentators in Wellington were critical, political scientist Bronwyn Hayward praised Davis for his grassroots approach, noting his efforts to rebuild trust by visiting marae across the country.
Minister of Corrections
As Minister of Corrections, Davis focused heavily on the disproportionate incarceration rates of Māori. He advocated for a shift away from imprisonment levels that he described as devastating to Māori whānau (families) and communities. Under his leadership, the prison population dropped from 213 per 100,000 in 2018 to 149 per 100,000 by the end of his term.
This reduction was supported by two primary policy shifts: increasing the use of bail for defendants instead of holding them on remand, and allowing prisoners to enter parole readiness schemes earlier in their sentences. However, these moves were contested by National Party MP Mark Mitchell, who argued the focus was on emptying prisons rather than reducing crime.
The Waikeria Prison Riots
Between December 29, 2020, and January 3, 2021, Waikeria Prison experienced significant riots. Davis chose not to issue public statements during the five-day standoff, stating he wanted to leave the response to experts and avoid encouraging further unrest. This silence was criticized by Simeon Brown of the National Party and Rawiri Waititi of the Māori Party, the latter of whom claimed prisoners were protesting a lack of basic needs like clean water and clothing.
Following the surrender, Davis disputed claims of inhumane conditions, highlighting the hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage and the risks posed to staff. A subsequent report by chief ombudsman Peter Boshier recommended urgent changes to workplace culture and leadership within the Department of Corrections.
Minister for Children
In November 2020, Davis assumed the role of Minister for Children. While he had previously been critical of Oranga Tamariki (the Ministry for Children), he resisted calls to abolish the agency. His tenure saw the resignation of chief executive Grainne Moss in January 2021 after Davis declined to express confidence in her leadership.
Davis established a ministerial advisory board to investigate the practice of "uplifting" children from their families. Based on the board's recommendations, he initiated reforms to shift the delivery of services from the central agency to iwi and community-based providers.
Parliamentary Controversy
In September 2022, Davis faced backlash after telling ACT Party spokesperson Karen Chhour to "enter the Māori world" and stop using a "vanilla lens" during a debate regarding the Te Whānau o Waipareira Trust. Chhour, who is Ngāpuhi, stated the remarks diminished her mana (prestige). While ACT leader David Seymour condemned the comments as racist, Davis eventually apologized to Chhour via telephone.
Summary of Ministerial Portfolios
| Portfolio | Key Achievement/Focus | Notable Event/Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Māori–Crown Relations | Established Te Arawhiti | Integrated te ao Māori into public service |
| Corrections | Reduced prison population | Waikeria Prison riots investigation |
| Children | Devolution of services to iwi | Reform of Oranga Tamariki uplifting policies |
| Tourism / Education | Associate Minister (Māori Education) | Managed tourism portfolio until 2020 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Kelvin Davis decline the role of Deputy Prime Minister?
Although he was the deputy leader of the party, reports suggest that Davis declined the position due to perceived poor performances during Parliament's question time and under media scrutiny.
What is Te Arawhiti?
Te Arawhiti is the Office for Māori Crown Relations, a government department established in 2018 to lead Māori–Crown relations and improve the Pākehā public service's understanding of the Treaty of Waitangi and Māori customs.
How did the prison population change during Davis's term?
The prison population decreased from 213 people per 100,000 in 2018 to 149 per 100,000 by the end of his tenure, achieved through policies favoring bail over remand and earlier parole readiness.
What reforms did Davis implement at Oranga Tamariki?
Davis moved to devolve the delivery of children's services away from the central government agency and toward iwi and community providers following an investigation into the policy of uplifting children from their families.
What was the outcome of the Waikeria Prison riots investigation?
Chief ombudsman Peter Boshier's report recommended that the Department of Corrections urgently address issues regarding leadership and workplace culture.