Evidence of multiculturalism in New Zealand, populated mainly by the indigenous Maoris and Europeans, has become common throughout the educational system in the last two decades. In spite of efforts at reform, however, Maori leaders contend that the government has consistently failed to meet the needs of Maori students, citing continuing high dropout rates and low academic achievement rates of Maori youth, to support their claims. Many Maoris are, in fact, demanding a separate, alternative education system for their youth. An embedded component of any improved education delivery system for the Maori involves the development of adequate and appropriate guidance and counseling services for Maori youth. A culture-specific model appears to be a most appropriate one. This paper presents an historical review of New Zealand's development as a country, examines the current status of Maori education, and develops a culture-specific counseling model. Opportunities for use of such a culture-specific model with the Maoris of New Zealand are considered and a variety of issues are addressed: the cognitive/learning styles of different subgroups, the assessment of acculturation, a holistic approach to counseling, the significance of bilingualism and one's native language, synergetic counseling, and familial issues. (Author/NB)