Former Labour deputy Kelvin Davis joins Erica Stanford’s Māori advisory education group

Kelvin Davis has been appointed to the group, Education Minister Erica Stanford says.

Former Labour deputy leader Kelvin Davis has been appointed to a Māori education advisory group that’s intended to help raise achievement for Māori learners.

Education Minister Erica Stanford announced on Tuesday that Davis would join the Māori Education Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG), describing him as a “strong advocate for education, Māori development, and social equity”.

“He brings both experience and a deep commitment to public service to his work and I know he will be a fantastic appointment to the Advisory Group,” she said in a statement.

“The Māori Education Ministerial Advisory Group is made up of esteemed leaders and innovators in Māori education.

“They bring extensive knowledge and education experience. I look forward to our work together to boost equitable outcomes in our education system.”

Davis departed Parliament in 2024 following the change of Government. He was Labour’s deputy leader under Dame Jacinda Ardern between 2017 and 2023.

While in the Beehive, Davis held several portfolios including Associate Education Minister, with a focus on Māori education. He was also in charge of Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti and Corrections among others.

Stanford’s statement said the group would focus on raising achievement for Māori learners.

It will support the Māori Education Action Plan, which was announced in December 2024. That includes a range of different actions the Government is undertaking to support Māori students.

Other members of the group are public policy practitioner Will Workman (the chair), former chair of the Mātauranga Iwi Leaders Group, Olivia Hall, and educators Dame Georgina Kingi, Billie-Jean Potaka-Ayton, and Turi Ngatai.

The MAG will report directly to Stanford over two years.