Iwi shown new path for growth

Professor Graham Hingangaroa Smith

Critical success factors for Maori economic development have been identified in a recently released report on the three-year Nga Pae o te Maramatanga (NPM) research programme - Te Tupunga Maori Economic Development.

The programme has been conducted by Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi, in partnership with Te Rananga o Ngati Awa, four participating iwi - Ngati Awa, Ngati Kahungunu, Te Whanau-a-Apanui and Ngapuhi - and NPM.

The associated report, He Mangopare Amohia: Strategies for Maori Economic Development, was launched at Mataatua, Te Manuka Tutahi, in Whakatane and details the findings of the research, which has a vision of transforming Maori/iwi economic development.

Professor Graham Hingangaroa Smith, who led the programme, engaged with the four participating iwi, who brought their values, insights and aspirations to the research.

Professor Smith said the project focused on critical questions which originated from these groups, and reflected the interests of Maori, iwi and community.

"A key issue for Maori and iwi is to exercise a greater self-determining influence over the models of development that they utilise, and ensure that these models appropriately reflect their economic interests and their social and cultural development aspirations. The power to 'self-develop' is a key strategy.

"Maori and iwi expectations are not simply focused on the bottom line; they are simultaneously focused on the impacts on the people and culture. When economic, cultural and social outcomes of success are attained as 'joint outcomes' then we are more likely to be achieving Maori well-being.

NPM research director Dan Hikuroa said the research initiative pursued new ways of addressing research questions, issues and opportunities for communities.

"The Maori dimension to New Zealand's economy is unique and growing, and there are significant needs, as well as opportunities available," Dr Hikuroa said.

"The primary focus of this research was to establish a Maori economic development framework centred on collaboration, co-creation, investigation and engagement - which would all then be used as catalysts for transformation.

"The programme has achieved these goals, and will now be one more tool available to empower economic growth among our communities."