Maori land : a strategy for overcoming constraints on development

Abstract

This thesis is constructed on long-term action research with seven case-study groups of Māori landowners with strong development aspirations for either unutilised land, or underutilised land, but are constrained in their ability to unlock its potential. The research found that each case study shared similar development goals. Each viewed their land as a spring-board for business development, cultural revitalisation, environmental restoration, and community development encapsulated by the vision of contemporary Papakāinga. However, common constraints were experienced in achieving development aspirations that included: Limited financing options; inappropriate methods employed by education institutions to build technical knowledge and skills within communities of landowners; high levels of distrust and suspicion within communities; leadership which is unable to maintain collective support; inappropriately designed development support from government development agencies; and the presence of colonial narratives within communities that create despondency and inertia. To address these constraints it is determined that a well-resourced multi-disciplinary team from a single agency is required that can provide specialists and capacity in a manner that is directly accountable to landowners. First, the institution should possess the capacity to provide social lending and venture capital. Second, a team of highly experienced professionals and technical specialists is required to support landowners in decision-making and engagement with external government and corporate institutions in commercial, sustainable land management, and community development areas. Third, specialists either external or internal to a land-owning community are required that possess the cultural competency to develop endogenous and contextualised critical learning and planning programmes that encompass the following areas: Endogenous leadership philosophies and cosmology; identity reconstruction through immersion in narratives and practices that encourage a positive and contemporary Māori self-image; and agriculture, horticulture, business administration, governance, and the discourse of government agencies.