Horowhenua District Council says its new employment application form in Maori is a first for local and central government in New Zealand.
Candidates are offered the option of an English or a Maori-language application form.
Human resources manager Meredith Blackler said it is designed to attract qualified Maori job applicants and to encourage diversity and cultural respect.
Ms Blackler says the council already offers "whanau interviews" to job candidates, where they are able to bring family members along.
The council hopes to provide all staff with opportunities to learn te reo and undertake cultural awareness training.
