How can Maori learners with special needs have their needs met in a culturally appropriate, effective way? What challenges exist and how can they be met? A multimethod approach was used to answer these questions, including the development and trial of a cultural audit. Findings revealed that Maori learners with special needs were not being adequately provided for. Special education provisions need to be based on Maori perspectives of special needs and incorporate Maori concepts, knowledge, skills, attitudes, language, customs, values and beliefs; focus on areas of importance, concern and benefit to Maori; involve and empower parents, family, the Maori community and the learners themselves; be of a high quality; accessible; result in equitable outcomes for Maori learners; and be delivered by people with the required personal, professional and cultural expertise. The cultural audit was seen as an effective means of improving programs and services for Maori learners with special needs. However, to achieve long-term, widespread improvement, genuine power sharing and societal-level changes in the ideologies, systems and circumstances that disadvantage Maori are needed.