Maori 'can do business and are good at it'

Maori are frequently presented as a drag on the New Zealand economy, but a major study due out early next year may change minds.

Te Puni Kokiri chief executive Leith Comer says the New Zealand Institute for Economic Research report - expected to be made public on February 4, just two days before Waitangi Day - presents a different picture.

"While still small, the emerging Maori economy is robust," said Comer. "It faces its share of structural challenges but has enjoyed strong growth in the 1990s and is poised for continued expansion."

Comer says Maori - like all New Zealanders - contribute to the wider economy by buying goods and services. "But we actually contribute through our communally owned assets in the Maori economy ... we are significant contributors."

Comer believes the study, combined with the GEM report's findings on Maori entrepreneurialism, will shift attitudes.

"Perhaps we put so much emphasis on the demise of Tainui - which, by the way, is starting to turn the corner - that we don't see that Maori can do business, have done business, and are reasonably successful at it."

Comer said the GEM report was "soft analysis" but it was important.

"Sometimes people can dismiss it as a valuable contribution," said Comer. "But it does start changing the state of mind of New Zealanders, that Maori do have sort of basic intrinsic characteristics that are worthwhile to develop because we then develop the wider country.

"I'm using everything that I can to position the argument that Maori development is not a selfish pursuit it's actually important for the country."

The Te Puni Kokiri chief executive has recently returned from a study trip to Mexico and the United States, where he examined the economic development of other indigenous peoples.

"The Maori position on the development continuum is much further along than many indigenous people around the world," said Comer. "Some places are still doing basic things for people to survive, with services for health and education.

"We are well along that road in terms of potential of our culture, the establishment of a social and economic base and the securing of a future for Maori to move forward with some confidence into this century."

The GEM report points to an economy-wide lack of venture capital for entrepreneurs. Associate Maori Affairs Minister John Tamihere has suggested Maori should have their own venture capital fund, bringing together cash held in a range of different funds.

But Maori are not waiting around for the various reports to be digested.

Last week more than 200 syndicate members and others associated with the America's Cup regatta - including Peter Harrison, the billionaire head of the GBR Challenge - turned up to a showcase of Maori business at Auckland's Viaduct Harbour.

It was organised by the Tamaki Herenga Waka Consortium to capitalise on commercial opportunities for Maori by "virtue of our country playing host to some of the world's most influential and powerful businesses and business people", said organiser Steffan Panoho.

Herald feature:
Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report - 2002