Sustainable prosperity and enterprises for Maori communities in Aotearoa New Zealand: a review of the literature

Abstract

Purpose The research in the field of Indigenous peoples and the espousal of their cultural values in the work environment is recognised as being important as a means of overcoming workplace inequities. The purpose of this paper is to examine research about Maori, the Indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand that may inform future enterprises for the long-term prosperity of marginalised Indigenous peoples. Design/methodology/approach This study reviews the literature on unique cultural dynamics of whanau Maori (New Zealand Maori family/community) study practices and the importance of work/home/life balance. Furthermore, it considers strengths-based community enterprises that can lead to sustainable prosperity for Maori. Findings The review yielded three theoretical principles that explain mana (sociocultural and psychological well-being), which can be generalised across multiple contexts, with the workplace being one of these contexts. These principles of mana create a contextual match with whanau external realities; an experiential match of a mana empowerment framework that transfers to the study context and an interpersonal understanding of being understood and empowered within the study context. Research limitations/implications The literature review has been limited to research from 2005 onwards and to research that investigates Maori, the Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa New Zealand. Although the review of the literature has these limitations, the review may be of interest to other studies of Indigenous peoples worldwide. Practical implications The key factors are interwoven, and their importance is considered in relation to the development of positive and supportive environments, which link to job retention, satisfaction and productivity in the workplace for Maori. This, in turn, can have beneficial knock-on effects for not only the New Zealand economy but also more importantly for enhancing sustainable livelihoods for upcoming generations. Social implications Tied together, these factors are paramount for cultural, social and ecological benefits for nga rangatahi (young Maori adults) and the wider community in the workplace. Originality/value The literature review’s value and originality derive from a dearth of recent research on supporting nga rangatahi (young Maori adults) for sustainable prosperity.

Indigenous Social Enterprises and Health and Wellbeing: A Scoping Review and Conceptual Framework

“…Sustainability from an Indigenous perspective embodies gratitude for what nature gives and emphasizes caring for the environment rather than simply reducing the amount taken [ 67 ]. Several of the collectively owned and embedded Indigenous social enterprises reflect this cultural obligation of custodianship and stewardship in the way they operate [ 15 , 69 ].…”

“…Yet, even when social enterprise’s activities were not directly related to traditional practices, cultural values still influenced the way the social enterprises operated, from the governance arrangements of the organisation to the way in which the social enterprises worked with and supported the community. For example, humour was used as a way of managing relationships and ensuring the survival of the social enterprise [ 69 , 76 ]. What traditional businesses might consider expenses and something to be minimized (such as salaries, staff training and development), were seen by many Indigenous social enterprises as opportunities to deliver socioeconomic benefits to their communities and improve health and wellbeing [ 65 ].…”

Awatere’s Māori Sovereignty Reveals the Obscured Core of Capitalism

“…The contemporary picture of Māori labour market participation reflects this colonial enforcement of the capitalist mode of production. Today, Māori labour market participation demonstrates ongoing inequity in the labour market structure and poorer labour market outcomes for Māori (Dale, 2017;Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, 2017;Neha et al, 2021;Stubbs et al, 2017;Theodore et al, 2020;Whitehead & Walker, 2021).…”

“…For example, Māori find themselves offered entry-level jobs within the construction industry which are typified by precarious employment contracts (Hurt-Suwan & Mahler, 2021). This employment structure can be interrogated as a colonial legacy reflecting the historical disruption of the Māori mode of production by the succession of the capitalist mode of production in which Māori were forced through dispossession to enter the labour force as low-skilled, working-class labourers (Altman & Markham, 2019;Amoamo, Ruckstuhl & Ruwhiu, 2018;Galic, 2019;Houkamau, 2019;Hurt-Suwan & Mahler, 2021;King, Rua & Hodgetts, 2017;Neha et al, 2021;Schulze & Hurren, 2020;Scobie & Sturman, 2020;Webb, 2019).…”