A prominent Māori academic says unintended systemic racism is a reason why Māori got Work and Income's Covid relief payment at a much lower rate than Pākehā.
Official figures from June to August show applications by those who identify as Māori were unsuccessful at nearly twice the rate of New Zealand Europeans.
Applications by Pacific people were also less likely to succeed.
The Director of Maori and Pacific Advancement at AUT's law school Khylee Quince told RNZ reporter Hamish Cardwell the figures come as no surprise.
The Ministry for Social Development said in a statement applications must meet eligibility criteria and staff have no discretion.
It says 8 percent of the 5423 unsuccessful applications went on to get more money on the main benefit.
