Our te reo name

The Ministry for Regulation worked with Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori – The Māori Language Commission to develop a te reo Māori name to sit alongside our English name. The name suggested by Te Taura Whiri is Te Manatū Waeture.

Te Manatū Waeture

The name Te Manatū Waeture defines the core purpose for the Ministry of Regulation (the Ministry) – to elevate the quality of regulatory systems and ensure agencies align with best practice.  

Manatū asserts the Ministry’s authoritative and guiding role. Waeture is the translation of the word regulation. It infers the: 

  • clearing of pathways 
  • breaking down of complexity, and  
  • elimination of barriers to enhance efficiency. 

We’ve updated our logo to reflect the introduction of our te reo Māori name.   

The name clearly outlines the function of the Ministry to Māori language speakers, follows the Guidelines for Māori Language Orthography (by the inclusion of ‘Te’) and established naming practice of Te Taura Whiri I te Reo Māori. 

Te Manatū Waeture is a definitive statement and commitment to leading agencies, promoting exemplary practices, and ensuring that regulatory systems are both healthy and forward-thinking. 

The use of te reo Māori, bilingual signage and te reo Māori names of Ministries and Departments signal that te reo Māori is valued. As a government ministry, it is quite normal to have a bilingual name, and for Māori speakers to use it.