Essay Example on Maori Economic Development: Tino Rangatiratanga and Self-Determination

The Maori economic development can be viewed across five phases namely the pre- and early contact period, land loss and resource alienation, urbanization, the Hui Taumata or the Decade of Maori Development and the 21st century. A common bottom-line across these phases is what the Maori referred to as tino rangatiratanga, which simply means self-governance and self-determination. The overarching goal of Maori economic development is to bolster self-determination to utilize human capital and realize their potential. Equally, tino rangatiratanga gives the Maori a much-needed drive to manage and enjoy their assets and wealth. With that in mind, this paper explores the role of the Maori economic development in relation to their self-determination and identifies risks and opportunities facing this development in the modern era.

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Hitchcock (2018) acknowledges that the main idea of tino rangatiratanga, which was initiated by the Treaty of Waitangi, is to cultivate a culture among the Maori that they are in control of their ambitions, capital and land. In this regard, the promotion of economic development for communities such as the Iwi, Hapu and Whanau is crucial to the implementation of tino rangatiratanga. Besides, Toki (2017) recognizes Treaty Settlements as an important aspect that linked economic development and self-determination or tino rangatiratanga (will be used interchangeably in this essay) among the Maori.

The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840 during the pre and early contact economy period, came at a time when the Maori's economic activities mainly involved trading farm products (Consedine, 2007). This phase saw the introduction of metal implements and crops such as potatoes. The Treaty Waitangi, signed by the British Government, aimed at regulating the Maori's activities. To this end, this Treaty instigated a strong push for economic growth and involvement of the Maori in the cash economy. The eventual outcome was that the Maori fully engaged in the increasing commercial activities brought about by an increasing number of settlers (Consedine, 2007). This outcome was a significant step forward toward exercising self-governance and self-determination by empowering the Maori to be in charge of their assets.

There was a trend of progressive economic growth in Maori during the pre and early contact economy periods, which was characterized by the pooling of resources and labor. However, after these periods, the Maori economy witnessed a transition. As stated earlier, the Treaty of Waitangi, in line with tino rangatiratanga, offered a chance for economic growth through an increase in trade. Nonetheless, this Treaty opened up the Maori land to occupation by Pakeha settlers. These settlers were increasingly interested the Northland, Tanaraki and Waikato lands, which were at the center of the Maori economic development (Carter, Kamau & Barrett, 2011).

Due to this interest, there were changes in land laws that eliminated the collective capitalism that had catapulted Maori's economy. The self-governance and self-determination would be thrown into jeopardy by the new land laws which abolished the communal ownership and control of land in favor of individual ownership. As a result, the Iwi and Hapu economic productivity dropped thereby translating to a reduced social and economic growth. This transition was typified by the loss of economic essentials through the annexation of land and other assets which led to weakened self-determination and brought about social changes such as urbanization (Carter, Kamau & Barrett, 2011).

In light of these changes, the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, NZIER (2003) stated that the Maori had entered the knowledge economy that would create a domain for self-determined economic growth to occur. Regardless of the loss of collective capitalism that had steered a steady economic growth during the earlier eras, the knowledge economy in the contemporary era has seen a remarkable advancement of knowledge and skills and the rise of service industries. These developments are crucial to fostering Maori economic welfare (NZIER, 2003).

The three main industries in the current Maori economy include forestry, farming and fishing. For the Iwis, the knowledge economy has led to a diversification of their trades to include real estate businesses, property development, transport and tourism. Consedine (2007) argues that the last five decades have allowed for renewed development relations between the Maori and Pakeha. Advancements in education, revenue generation and improved employment conditions are all features of economic development among the Maori in the modern era. With the Maori making up a significant percentage of the total population of New Zealand, these developments are key to realizing the fruits of self-determination in the country, which started close to two centuries ago.

Away from the role of economic development in relation to self-determination, there are several opportunities that Maori can exploit for its economic development in the contemporary era. One such opportunity is tourism. Foreigners visiting New Zealand and overseas markets are progressively becoming interested in the cultural uniqueness evident in the local services and products ("Tourism Maori Qualifications Review - Needs Analysis", 2012). This aspect, coupled with the Maori cultural values, open up the economy to increased tourism activities. Another opportunity is in the introduction of new technologies. Technological advancements can enable the Maori to manage and utilize their forestry, aquaculture and agricultural resources.

In any economic system, opportunities have risks associated with them. In this line, therefore, there are also some risks facing Maori economic development in the modern era. One of these risks is climate change. The Maori economy largely relies on the primary industries, which as stated earlier include fishing, farming and forestry. However, Maori are extremely vulnerable to climate change. Since 2005, the Maori territory has experienced torrential downpour resulting in landslides and floods. Additionally, an expected rise in sea level due to global warming will possibly erode the coastline (Parahi, 2018). These adverse patterns threaten the above primary industries. Lastly, other than climate change, political forces are also threats to the Maori economic development. Some Maori's disapproval of the Kermadec marine reserve, proposed reforms in the Resource Management Act and the freshwater policy may derail Maori's commercial aspirations (Smellie, 2016).

The essay above has examined the role of Maori economic development in relation to their self-determination and identified risks and opportunities facing this development in the contemporary era. Treaty settlements were vital components of the Maori early economy that linked economic development and self-determination during a period of collective capitalism. With these settlements, the Maori fully participated in economic activities and enjoyed their resources. However, in pursuit of other aspects such as skills and knowledge, the Maori lost their land, which was an economic basis, to the Pakeha and in so doing deviated from the much sought-after self-governance and self-determination. Nonetheless, on alienating much of their land and migrating to urban centers, the Maori created a knowledge economy that saw the rise of service industries that would create space for self-determined economic growth. Finally, in the contemporary era, opportunities that the Maori can exploit for economic development include technological innovations and tourism while climate change and political forces may threaten this development.

References

Carter, L., Kamau, R., & Barrett, M. (2011). LITERATURE REVIEW AND PROGRAMME REPORT - Te Pae Tawhiti Maori Economic Development Programme. Retrieved from http://www.maramatanga.co.nz/sites/default/files/Maori%20Economic%20Development_final_web.pdf

Consedine, B. (2007). Historical Influences: Maori and the Economy. (pp. 1-12). Wellington, NZ: Te Puni Kokiri.

Hitchcock, J. (2018). The Treaty of Waitangi granted us tino rangatiratanga - but what is it? Retrieved from https://thespinoff.co.nz/atea/06-02-2018/the-treaty-of-waitangi-granted-us-tino-rangatiratanga-but-what-is-it/

New Zealand Institute of Economic Research. (2003). Maori Economic Development: Te Ohanga Whanaketanga Maori. NZ Institute of Economic Research.Parahi, C. (2018). Maori are among the most vulnerable to climate change. Retrieved from https://www.stuff.co.nz/environment/climate-news/108755375/maori-are-among-the-most-vulnerable-to-climate-change

Smellie, P. (2016). Pattrick Smellie: Dangerous times for Maori economic development. Retrieved from https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/opinion-analysis/78895119/pattrick-smellie-dangerous-times-for-maori-economic-development

Toki, V. (2017). Maori seeking self-determination or Tino Rangatiratanga? A note. Retrieved from https://researchcommons.waikato.ac.nz/bitstream/handle/10289/11519/Toki%20Maori%20Seeking%20self-determination.pdf?sequence=15

Tourism Maori Qualifications Review - Needs Analysis. (2012). Retrieved from https://www.nzqa.govt.nz/assets/qualifications-and-standards/qualifications/TourismMaori/docs/TM-Needs-Analysis.pdf