What we do

Maori economic development

Berl Economic Profile of Maori in the Region

In 2009 Te Puni Kokiri commissioned BERL Economics to undertake a study to enable a better understanding of the Maori asset base in the Waiariki (Bay of Plenty regional boundaries) and to inform and influence economic change. The study covered Western Bay of Plenty, Tauranga, Rotorua, Kawerau, Whakatane and Opotiki districts, involving over 150 marae within 13 iwi, over 1900 Maori land trusts and incorporations and 807 employers.

Key findings included:

An asset base of $6-9 billion (land trusts & incorporations $2.5-5.7 billion, business $2.3 billion, settlements $1 billion). This is significantly larger than previous estimates.
32% of the land in the Bay of Plenty region is in Maori ownership (695k ha of 2.183k ha).
Maori businesses had $2.3 billion worth of assets in 2006, primarily in business services & property, farming, forestry & fishing, transport & communications, and processing & manufacturing. Businesses comprised 1,467 self-employed and 804 employers.
Issues included how to grow the asset base further; taking a long term, strategic view of Maori economic development; ensure Maori are the landlord rather than the tenant.
Constraints were identified as the availability of capital for investment; the capacity and capability for development (management skill set required); and the lack of information around land use.
There is alignment with the regional economic development strategy, particularly in the areas of energy and eco-tourism.

A reference group has been established to determine the next phase for this initiative.