One of Labour's most loyal MPs is the new Maori Development Minister, Nanaia Mahuta, who becomes the first female to hold the position.
She's joined by a surprise pick for the Treaty Negotiations role - former Labour Party leader Andrew Little - while there's a whole new job with a Maori emphasis for Labour's deputy leader Kelvin Davis.
Labour's longest serving Maori MP, Ms Mahuta, has now been recognised with a plum job after 21 years in Parliament and has welcomed her elevation.
"Nine years in opposition. I've learnt a lot and I'm pleased to be able to have the opportunity once again to serve in a Labour Government," she said.
But this last election has been a major hurdle.
“I love dealing with tough, nutty sort of issues
"She beat her cousin Tuku Morgan, President of the Maori Party, and not only beat them, thumped them. Biggest majority out. And so on all those measures it's hard to go past her," said John Tamihere, political commentator.
Mr Little's experience as a union negotiator should serve him well as Minister for Treaty Negotiations.
"I love dealing with people. I love dealing with tough, nutty sort of issues, so I'm looking forward to the challenge," he said.
Outgoing minister Christopher Finlayson has made the job look easy, signing off 59 Treaty settlements in his time, and he says Labour has made a smart choice with Mr Little.
“We've got to move from victimhood and grievance
"He's going to have my every support. That sounds a bit Pollyannaish perhaps, but the fact of the matter is we've achieved a lot as a Parliament, as a country, because of a bipartisan approach," Mr Finlayson said.
A new portfolio has been created to manage Maori relationships with the Crown, and Mr Davis takes that role which will focus on economic opportunities.
"We want there to be emphasis on the opportunities that exist in a post-Treaty settlement environment for Maori, particularly around economic development," said incoming Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
Mr Tamihere says this new portfolio is important "because we've got to move from victimhood and grievance to what's the contribution of Maori going forward.
"So we're now moving from a negative conversation with the Crown to a more positive conversation. I think it's a great thing".
The Labour-led Government is hoping great things can be achieved for Maori through its new line-up.
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