The Māori War Effort Organisation (MWEO) based on representative tribal leadership was established. Its initial function was to assist with recruiting, but the organisation expanded to the production and supply of food, investigation of Māori housing conditions and the alleged misuse of social security benefits. Their broad functions also often required them to consider Māori education, vocational training and land use. Within six months, Māori had set up 315 tribal committees and 41 executives.[i] Between June 1942 and April 1945 15,000 Māori were employed in essential industries. The 1942 ‘manpowering regulations’ included women but it largely went against the grain.