Unfolding tensions within post-settlement governance and tribal economies in Aotearoa New Zealand
Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy
ISSN: 1750-6204
Article publication date: 12 March 2019
Issue publication date: 12 July 2019
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.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge Ngā Pae o Te Māramatanga, New Zealand’s Māori Center of Research Excellence hosted at the University of Auckland for funding the research project entitled “Persisting inequalities and the potential for intervention through new governance models” (reference: 16RF06/3708612). This paper is based on research for this project.
Citation
Mika, J.P., Smith, G.H., Gillies, A. and Wiremu, F. (2019), "Unfolding tensions within post-settlement governance and tribal economies in Aotearoa New Zealand", Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, Vol. 13 No. 3, pp. 296-318. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEC-12-2018-0104
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited