Title: Focus on the Ngai Tahu tribe

Authors: Charlotte Paulin

Addresses: University of Canterbury, Private Bag 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand

Abstract: This paper examines the role that indigenous people|s rights to land and resources and resulting settlements play in their economic development. Specifically, an examination of Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, offers explanation for indigenous people|s socio-economic circumstances and presents a solution for their economic development in the future. First, a history of the Treaty of Waitangi, an agreement signed between the Crown of England and Maori in 1840, is provided that helps explain what has led to the depressed socio-economic circumstances of Maori today. Following this, an examination of socio-economic statistics highlights the concern for Maori due to their substandard position in comparison to the remainder of the New Zealand population. Then, the landmark Maori claim and settlement, ||Te Kereme o Ngai Tahu||, is discussed and analysed. Finally, the highly successful nature of the Ngai Tahu claim and subsequent tribal development (Katschner, 2005) are used to construct a framework for economic development of Maori people following Treaty of Waitangi settlement.

Keywords: New Zealand; Treaty of Waitangi; Ngai Tahu; indigenous peoples; entrepreneurship; socio-economic circumstances; Maori economic development; land rights; resource rights; tribal development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2005.006815

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2005 Vol.2 No.2, pp.199 - 207

Published online: 15 Apr 2005 *

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