Maori Business Concepts

It means reason for being. - A Māori business may initially be formed to hold, manage, develop, and/or grow profit from Māori resources such as people (for example, youth or older people or whānau, hapū, or iwi groups), land, water (lakes, rivers), farms, forestry, or other collectively owned resources. Later, other entities such as companies or trusts may be created to manage and grow specific ventures under the umbrella of the original business or entity.

-to provide goods or services at a profit, and to enrich the business owner(s).-reasons that are associated with collectively owned resources (such as land, tribal estates) and/or whakapapa-based groupings, such as whānau, hapū, and iwi.

It is often used to improve social services such as health and education

• Employ iwi members and treat them fairly, trying to pay them good wages
• Will use the profit to help iwi members achieve better standards of health and education
• Seek to look after the environment with their businesses, respecting the land and tikanga (customs)
• Often owned by the iwi (a tribe) such as Ngapuhi, Tainui or Ngai Tahu.
• Collective ownership – owned by the whole iwi, for the benefit of the whole iwi

-Employment of iwi members, who also benefit from the profits, will mean they work harder and are more motivated. This should lead to increased productivity and profitability leading to a more sustainable business (financially healthier over the long term). - Looking after the environment through better land management practices, not polluting waterways, recycling, reusing waste etc is part of collectively looking after the resources. It also shows the iwi are socially responsible and they are likely to get more customers buying their products and services, leading to more sales and profits.

• The impact of environmental focus – running the business in such a way as to sustain natural resources. The protection of resources
• The impact of social focus – running the business in such a way as to look after the employees, the customers and the suppliers
• The impact of a cultural focus – running the business in such a way as to look after cultural heritage such as language and customs
• The impact of a community focus – running the business in such a way as to benefit the community. This includes all three of the above plus all members of the community.

• Often owned by the iwi (a tribe) such as Ngapuhi, Tainui or Ngai Tahu.
• Collective ownership – owned by the whole iwi, for the benefit of the whole iwi
• Focus on achieving profits in order to benefit iwi members, particularly in health and education
• Seek to either reinvest in the business or to invest in social areas such as health and education for the long-term benefit of the iwi members
• Seek to employ iwi members