2 days ago
Te Ao Māori Trends & Insights
The stars of Matariki and Puanga are tohu for the Māori New Year, signalling a time to reflect on the past year and look forward to the future. In celebration of Chapman Tripp's 150th anniversary, the 15th anniversary of our Māori business team, Te Waka Ture, and Matariki/Puanga, we are proud to announce the launch of our publication, Te Ao Māori Trends & Insights.
This report highlights the transformative impact of te ao Māori on the legal landscape of Aotearoa, clearly demonstrating how te ao Māori continues to shape the social, economic, and cultural fabric of Aotearoa.
The Māori economy has grown significantly in recent years, driven by diversification into high-growth sectors such as professional, scientific, and technical services, as well as real estate and property services. It is likely the Māori economy will meet, if not exceed, $200b by 2030.
Chapman Tripp Partner and Kaihautū o Te Waka Ture, Te Aopare Dewes stated, "With Māori exports at $5.2 billion and growing, the Māori economy is establishing itself as a distinctive export brand, based on authenticity, sustainability, and indigenous knowledge. As Māori collectives expand, their participation in various sectors is expected to increase, driving collective success and community development."
Te Aopare noted, "Amendments to the Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 are anticipated to enhance the use of Māori land and unlock its economic potential. Policies promoting infrastructure investment and expanding export opportunities are likely to drive business growth and innovation within Māori communities."
Within the legal sphere, recognition of tikanga and Te Tiriti in statute, common law, and policy has increased in recent years reflecting a commitment to the indigenous people of Aotearoa, and the relationship between iwi and the Crown. This publication examines high-profile cases dealing with this recognition, including articles on tikanga as a source of rights, the Te Ohu Kaimoana Trustee Ltd v The Attorney-General decision on iwi and Crown relationships, and the climate change proceeding Smith v The Attorney-General.
However, over the past year, much of the public discourse has centred around the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill, which aimed to codify the Tiriti principles. The Bill sparked widespread protests across the country, and was ultimately rejected at its second reading.
Te Aopare emphasised the importance of thorough consultation and collaboration in legislative processes affecting Māori communities, stating, 'The rejection of the Bill underscores the need for inclusive and informed decision-making that respects the principles of Te Tiriti and the rights of Māori.'
