Unfolding tensions within post-settlement governance and tribal economies in Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to examine indigenous governance and economies of iwi Maori (Maori tribes) in Aotearoa New Zealand. Research into persisting inequities amongst iwi that have settled treaty claims and the potential for intervention through new governance models and indigenous entrepreneurship contextualise the paper. Design/methodology/approach Kaupapa Maori (Maori philosophy) is used as an indigenous methodology to facilitate and empower transformative change, underpinned by Maori knowledge, language and culture. A multi-level approach is used to collect data from international, national and local tribal organisations. Validity is established through stakeholder engagement. Findings A central challenge in the post-treaty settlement context is exponentialising tribal capabilities because of the multiple purposes ascribed to post-settled iwi. Four themes, characterised as “unfolding tensions”, offer a critique and basis for solving tribal development challenges: how do tribes create culturally grounded global citizens; how do tribes rebalance wealth creation and wealth distribution; how do tribes recalibrate tribal institutions; and how do tribes embed entrepreneurship and innovation within their economies? Research limitations/implications As data collection is still underway, the paper is conceptual. Practical implications Five strategies to address unfolding tensions are identified for tribes to consider. Social implications Tribal governors and tribal members are implicated in the analysis, as well as the architects of post-treaty settlement governance models. Originality/value The paper contributes to theorising about tribal governance, economies and entrepreneurship.

Māori Indigenous values and tourism business sustainability

“…Participants viewed tino rangatiratanga, self-determination, as a guiding principle to develop and lead their business in line with indigenous values, thus allowing them to adopt business practice that is at times opposed to the capitalist-neoliberal system within which they are embedded yet legitimises their cultural identity. However, when probed no participant referred to tensions between indigenous and capitalist economies as proposed in previous research (Amoamo, 2011; Mika, Smith, et al, 2019; Pio et al, 2012). While economic sustainability was regarded as one measure of success, and it was acknowledged that the enactment of indigenous values often incurred financial cost and subsequently reduced profit, the suggested balancing act to adhere to the values of one within the conflicting demands of the other has not emerged as a challenge in the small-to-medium privately owned enterprises that were the subject of this research.…”

“…However, these tensions are not necessarily dichotomous and detrimental to the success of indigenous businesses (Bargh, 2011), especially in the context of increased awareness of the negative environmental, societal and cultural impacts of tourism and the alignment of indigenous values with the concept of sustainability (Mika, Smith, et al, 2019; Richardson, 2001; Spiller, Erakovic, et al, 2011; Warren et al, 2017). Indigenous cultures provide “insights into a worldview of relatedness where foundational values inform members of society on how to lead a wise life through serving others, including the environment” (Pio et al, 2012, p. 196).…”

“…It is thus suggested that all businesses seeking to engage in sustainable practice can benefit from indigenous knowledge and approaches to ensure cohesive, holistic and impactful implementation (Carr, 2020; Spiller, Erakovic, et al, 2011; Verbos & Humphries, 2015). While many authors have explored Māori indigenous entrepreneurship and the integration of cultural values (e.g., Amoamo, Ruckstuhl, & Ruwhiu, 2018; Awatere et al, 2017; Bargh, 2012; Mika, Smith, et al, 2019; Mrabure et al, 2018; Ruwhiu et al, 2018), as well as Māori tourism development (e.g., Amoamo, 2007; McIntosh et al, 2004; Ringham et al, 2016; Spiller, 2010), it is still unknown how economic, cultural and environmental long-term wellbeing (the three pillars of sustainability) are practised and balanced within Māori tourism businesses organisations, and if (and to what extent) this represents a conflict between indigenous values and capital focused systems.…”

Tension without tikanga: the damaging face of the treaty claims settlement system

“…From the 1860s onwards, a series of wars and attacks by the Crown ensued, and Māori in Taranaki experienced the violent suppression of their rights as a continuous struggle well into the 1890s and beyond (R. Hond, personal communication, 18 January 2020). This resulted in significant disruptions to structures such as whānau (family and extended family), hapū, iwi and papakāinga (Mika et al, 2019;Wirihana & Smith, 2014). In their place, a number of Crown structures, such as collectives of owners or shareholders and management committees, were imposed.…”

Telling stories: analysing Māori and Pākehā workplace narratives

“…Daniel's narrative in the context of an interview with a leadership expert (example 4) provides another contrast, illustrating how he has absorbed western commercial and economic imperatives, presenting them in a way which aligns with an entrepreneurial orientation, even if this orientation is somewhat in tension with the collectivist goals of Māori society (Mika et al 2019). These choices mean he can provide a compelling account of his actions as a leader.…”