An investigation into the process of Maori economic development

Abstract

New Zealand as a society must support Maori aspirations to develop economically for reasons of both social justice and national economic well being. Within New Zealand society Maori do not enjoy the same share of the "goods of life" as non-Maori. Maori are also growing as a percentage of New Zealand's population with Maori predicted to rise from 15% in 2000 to 18% by 2025. If New Zealand's economy continues to fail Maori then the inability of Maori to reach acceptable levels of "well being" will begin to affect the "well being" of non-Maori, as New Zealand's government through social policies struggles to close the gap between Maori and non-Maori.

The objective of this study was to investigate the process of economic development within a Maori context (Te Ao Maori) in order to identify successful models or processes for economic development that can be utilised by Maori for future economic progress. To this end, six research goals were formulated that sought to define what is meant by Maori Economic Development, determine how to acknowledge and incorporate tikanga in the process, identify appropriate structures to be used as a vehicle for achieving economic development, identify appropriate means of developing outcomes of economic development, determine appropriate measures of success for the desired outcomes of economic development, and develop a mechanism for prioritising outcomes of economic development. This study followed the "tiaki" or "mentor" model, where Maori authorities facilitate the research process. Secondary and primary data were utilised to help answer the research objectives. Secondary data came from existing literature on economic development, and analysis of three documents; Whakatupuranga Rua Mano - Generation 2000, Ngai Tahu 2025 and an economic development report prepared for Te Taumutu Runanga. Primary data were collected through personal interviews with Maori individuals involved with the process of economic development in the rohe of Te Runanga O Ngai Tahu. An exploration from a western academic perspective of the meaning of the term "economic development" and what the process may encompass enabled the following generic definition of the term to be constructed: Economic development is a change process initiated by a value judgement that the current state of a community is not as desirable as a future state that can be obtained through restructuring its society to increase economic output.

Drawing these three streams of knowledge together the following conceptualisation of Maori economic development was achieved:

Maori economic development is a change process involving a Maori community, brought about through traditional cultural and political institutions seeking to restore tino rangatiratanga in order to achieve greater well being.

Maori economic development presents a challenge to New Zealand society as a whole because it is a process in which the fundamental driver is the desire by Maori communities to restore tino rangatiratanga. This has implications for the way in which Maori economic development is perceived by the wider community, since the outcomes of such development have the potential to contribute substantially to national economic goals and necessitates a change of mindset.