In 2003, a National Urban Māori Authority was formed as a political voice for city-dwelling Māori.  Prior to the formal establishment of Urban Maori Authorities (UMA), Maori traditional structures revolved around Iwi, Hapu and Whanau groups.  Yet, the reality is that following the mass migration to the cities starting in the 1950s, 86 percent of Maori now live in urban locations, with 70 percent living away from their tribal roots.

Maori recognised the need to provide a base for those who had left rural areas and the support of their home marae to come to the bigger cities for work and to start families.  This saw the establishment of The Maori Community Centre which used to stand opposite Victoria Park in Auckland, and other similar ventures around the country.

NUMA was established to further the sustainable development and coordination of UMA affiliates by bringing them together as a national collective.  NUMA provides overarching strategic policies and service development advice to all collective affiliates.

NUMA is made up of the following five organisations:

• Te Runanga o Ngaa Maata Waka Incorporated
• Whanganui-a-Tara Whanui Trust
• Te Runanga o Kirikiriroa Charitable Trust
• Manukau Urban Maori Authority Incorporated
• Te Whanau O Waipareira Trust