Integrated approach needed for Māori economic development

Business and asset development, employment opportunities and wealth creation must contribute to Māori well-being, according to iwi at the launch of a Māori economic development research report in Whakatāne.

He Mangōpare Amohia: Strategies for Māori Economic Development details the findings of Te Tupunga Māori Economic Development Research Programme, undertaken by Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi in partnership with Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa and Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga with the aim of transforming Māori/iwi economic development. The report was launched at Mātaatua, Te Mānuka Tūtahi, in Whakatāne on Thursday, 21 May, with guests representing iwi, the Ministry of Māori Development, local authorities, and noted academics.

The research identified the power to self-develop as a key strategy. An important issue for Māori and iwi was greater self-determining influence over the models of development that they utilise, and ensuring that these models appropriately reflect both their economic interests and their social and cultural development aspirations.

Awanuiārangi research manager Rāwiri Tinirau said attendees were pleased to hear that new economic development frameworks incorporating social, cultural and economic imperatives were being developed at whānau, hapū and iwi levels, and acknowledged that Māori economic development requires an integrated approach.

He said launch attendees endorsed the view that each iwi circumstance necessitates different and innovative ways of advancing social, cultural and economic imperatives.

“The view was that we can learn much from other iwi experiences, and that relationships and collaboration with others is critical. Also identified was a need to further develop our own iwi capacity and capability, to recruit and mentor talented iwi members, and to increase iwi member participation.

“Current statistics suggest that as the Māori economy is increasing, Māori well-being factors are moving in the opposite direction, and that the gap is widening. Māori economic development can help bridge or close this gap, if well-being elements align with, and are given due consideration, as economic performance functions,” Mr Tinirau said.

Key speakers were Dr Daniel Hikuroa of Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga, Distinguished Professor Graham Hingangaroa Smith, who led the research programme, research team member Dr Virginia Warriner, and Research Office director, Professor Annemarie Gillies.

Professor Gillies said a 360-degree response is required.

“We need the type of purview of the mangōpare (hammerhead shark). We need to be aggressive, but not hostile; protective, assertive and positive; forthright and fearless; confident and capable; and work together as collectives to ensure we leave our mokopuna in a strong and powerful position, where they are culturally competent, socially connected, and economically astute; where they and future generations can ‘walk the talk’, wherever they live in the world.”

The full research report can be viewed at:

http://www.wananga.ac.nz/he-mangopare-amohia-em.pdf

ENDS

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