Full Breakdown
Maori Economic Growth and Housing Inequities: A Dual Narrative
12/3/2025, 1:48:51 PM
Maori Economy Reaches $126 Billion
The Maori economy has achieved a significant milestone, reaching a valuation of $126 billion, primarily driven by iwi, land trusts, and Maori-owned businesses throughout Aotearoa. This achievement was celebrated at the Ohanga ki te Ao indigenous economic summit in Kirikiriroa, where the $100 million Kotahitanga Fund was launched. The summit gathered over 200 delegates, including iwi leaders and global investment fund managers, and featured the Kohinga Koha business expo, showcasing 158 marae and businesses from the Tainui Waka.
Kiingitanga spokesperson Rukumoana Schaafhausen emphasized that the Fund aims to deliver tangible outcomes for Maori communities, focusing on sustainable returns grounded in tikanga. Rahui Papa, another spokesperson, highlighted that the success of the Fund will be measured by the well-being of whanau rather than just financial metrics. The summit underscored the importance of collaboration among iwi and the necessity for New Zealand businesses to support Maori innovation.
Challenges in Maori Housing: Historical Context
In contrast to the economic advancements, Maori housing continues to face significant inequities rooted in historical injustices. Researchers, including Professor Deidre Brown and architectural designer Savannah Brown, argue that restrictive building laws over the past 180 years have contributed to current housing disparities. Before colonization, Maori communities had self-determined and sustainable housing practices, but colonial legislation, such as the Raupo Houses Ordinance of 1842, imposed severe restrictions on traditional building methods.
The ordinance not only taxed existing raupo homes but also discouraged their construction, leading to a decline in the use of traditional materials and a loss of autonomy in housing decisions. As a result, Maori home ownership plummeted, with the 2023 census indicating a mere 27.5 percent ownership rate among Maori, while over 60 percent of those experiencing homelessness identify as Maori.
Official Statements & Responses
Te Puni Kokiri chief executive Dave Samuels recently addressed the Maori Affairs Select Committee, stating that the Whanau Ora initiative has been underfunded despite demonstrating strong results. He noted that the program's funding currently stands at $179 million, far below its envisioned billion-dollar potential. Samuels attributed this underfunding to the government's stringent data requirements, which have historically hindered the program's ability to prove its effectiveness.
Former Maori Development Minister Willie Jackson criticized the government's approach, arguing that it unfairly places the burden of proof on Maori providers while mainstream agencies face less scrutiny. He contended that the success of Whanau Ora is evident and that the lack of funding is a direct result of government policies that undermine Maori-led initiatives.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics of the current funding model for Whanau Ora argue that the government's insistence on standardized data undermines the unique, qualitative outcomes that Maori providers achieve. Jackson expressed that this bureaucratic perspective is dismissive of the proven success of Maori initiatives. Both Samuels and Jackson agree on the need for better integration of Maori data into government systems to secure future funding, yet they diverge on the reasons for the historical underfunding.
What's Next
Looking forward, the Kotahitanga Fund is expected to play a crucial role in supporting Maori-led economic initiatives, while ongoing discussions about housing reform aim to restore Maori autonomy in building practices. Researchers advocate for the establishment of a Maori building authority to address misunderstandings at the council level regarding tikanga Maori and whenua Maori, emphasizing the need for more Maori representation in architecture to improve housing outcomes for their communities.
