Maori economic development still remains an enigma to many
people some 157 years after the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. It has only
been in the last decade as a result of increasing pressures from Maori to
recognize and settle grievances arising from the Treaty and the resulting
compensation issues that "mainstream" has begun to sit up and take notice. While
Treaty settlements such as the Tainui, Ngai Tahu and Fisheries settlements have
gained prominence as a source of economic potential for Maori, there are
significant existing assets owned by Maori worth an estimated $4.6 billion that
add an exciting new dimension to Maori contribution to New Zealand's enterprise
economy.

Despite the fact that many claims have yet to be resolved,
Maori are clearly shifting from grievance to development mode as evidenced by
their focus on capacity building through education, strategic alliances
nationally and internationally and the significant growth of nett asset worth of
Maori interests in a number of industry sectors.

In essence, Maori provide a large
un-tapped economic potential in New Zealand. The years of relative economic
obscurity appear to have wetted their appetite for positive growth and economic
independence. Given current trends, it would not be unrealistic to expect the
asset base of Maori to double in value over the next decade and to see the
emergence of Maori owned Corporates not only within the New Zealand economy but
also trading actively in the global market place.