Today a conference focusing on the behaviour of Māori males began in Paihia.
It's an initiative undertaken by Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa and Te Rūnanga ā-Iwi o Ngāpuhi to help combat male violence against women and children, for the benefit of the tribes' families.
These Māori service providers of Northland have come together to discuss and explore issues around the well-being of whānau, as well as what the concept of what 'whānau' means to Māori males.
It was said today that the Minister of Social Development challenged the Iwi Leaders Forum to look within their own tribes for answers as to why statistics relating to Māori males are so appalling.
Haami Piripi, chairman of Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa, says that tribal rūnanga don't just settle treaty claims and that iwi need to play a role in the development of whānau, especially Māori males.
The conference will run for two days, and tomorrow those present will discuss where to from here for practitioners and iwi.