While the Māori development issues of the day are a critical focus for Te Puni Kōkiri, we are equally concerned to secure a bright and optimal future for Māori. Ngā Kaihanga Hou – For Māori Future Makers is built from a platform of understanding both the current circumstances of Māori economic position and participation, and the key drivers of global economic change that are most likely to impact on Māori. From this basis, it presents a consideration of key intervention points necessary to position Māori for optimal economic participation and success in the future global economy.
The aim is to share ideas and stimulate debate within Government, Māori communities and wider New Zealand. Through the debate we would like to enable individuals to actively make positive decisions about their place in the future.
Three key future drivers have been identified that will influence the way that Māori participate in the economy leading to the year 2030. The drivers are;
Moving to the innovation economy represents one of the largest future opportunities (or threats) for Māori wellbeing, careers and business. Technological advances, both in the existing and new sectors; research and development; and education will be the three main factors influencing Māori participation in the innovation economy.
Redistribution of world economic power: the global power base is shifting from Europe and America to the new Asian economic powers. This will have a particular impact on Māori through investment and employment opportunities within the new markets driven by enormous economic growth. Within New Zealand there will be a demographic shift with the relative youthfulness of the Māori population, and Auckland will become increasingly important for the development of Māori and Māori businesses.
Climate change and resource pressures will be a challenge for Māori given the economic concentration of Māori businesses in the agriculture and fishing sectors. Adapting to climate change will require the uptake of new technologies to mitigate and withstand potential climate-related shocks.
The report updated data and research on current Māori participation in the economy. This is based on various pieces of work that we commissioned as part of the project. Through analysis of this work we have identified the following seven key factors illustrating the present Māori position in the economy:
The Māori commercial asset base has increased from $9 billion to $16.5 billion from 2001 to 2006. An increase of 84%, this represents 1.5% of the value of the New Zealand business sector in 2005/06, just slightly better than the 1.2% in 2001.
In terms of value adding to the economy, the value added by Māori businesses more than doubled between 1996 and 2003, increasing by $1.4 billion. This also represents an increase in the contribution to the national GDP, which lifted from 1.23% in 1996 to 1.96% in 2003. To ensure sustainable long term growth for Māori in the economy, we need to change future investment strategies to reflect the key drivers of future change.
From the research it is evident that future economic growth and development needs to be directed at increasing Māori share of the economy, growing and diversifying of the asset base and broadening of economic activities for Māori. These considerations lead to the identification of five key intervention points to foster for greater Māori participation in the future economy:
For Māori Future Makers. 2007. Includes the following appendices:
Discovering the "Māori Edge" - Te Tirohanga Hou. 2007.
Last modified: 17/04/2008