Former senior Labour MP Kelvin Davis has been appointed to the Government's Māori Education Ministerial Advisory Group, Education Minister Erica Stanford has announced.
Davis, a former teacher who spent decades in education before entering politics, joins a group of leaders and specialists tasked with raising achievement for Māori learners.
Stanford described the former Labour deputy leader as "a respected Māori leader, educator and a former senior minister who has dedicated his career to improving outcomes for whānau, rangatahi, and communities".
"Kelvin has been 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," he said.
"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."
The appointment marks a return to the space for Davis, who is of Ngāpuhi descent.
Before entering Parliament in 2008, he was the principal of Kaitaia Intermediate School. He also worked for the Ministry of Education in Māori education roles.
Davis served as associate education minister with responsibility for Māori education under the previous government. He was also the first Māori–Crown Relations Minister.
He became deputy to Jacinda Ardern when she was elevated to become Labour leader only seven weeks before the 2017 general election.
Davis remained deputy leader of the party for six years under both prime ministers Ardern and Chris Hipkins before being replaced by Carmel Sepuloni.
He retired from politics in February 2024 after losing his Te Tai Tokerau seat at the last election to then-Te Pati Māori candidate Mariameno Kapa-Kingi.
The advisory group, chaired by public policy practitioner Will Workman, reports directly to the Education Minister over a two-year term.
It would support the Government's Māori Education Action Plan and contribute specialist knowledge towards six education priorities.
Other members include Olivia Hall, former St Joseph's Māori Girls' College principal Dame Georgina Kingi, Kaiti School principal Billie-Jean Potaka-Ayton, and former Open Polytechnic executive director Māori, Turi Ngatai.
Stanford said she was committed to working with Te Matakahuki and leaders of kaupapa Māori education to identify shared priorities.
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