MAOR212: Intro to Economic Development

Introduction

  • The lecture begins in a casual tone, with the speaker greeting students and touching on social events (Electric Ave).

  • Acknowledges it is autumn and appreciates student attendance despite lower numbers expected.

Transition from Theory to Practice

  • Speaker acknowledges some students found previous theoretical content challenging, including their own experience from six years ago.

  • Announcement of a shift from theory to practical Maori development content.

Introduction to Ngai Tahu

  • Today's lecture focuses on Ngai Tahu, a central iwi in the context of Maori development.

  • Key areas of discussion include:

    • The Ngai Tahu settlement.

    • The contemporary iwi structure of Ngai Tahu.

Ngai Tahu Settlement Overview

  • Ngai Tahu and Waikato Tainui settlements occurred around the same time in the 1990s.

  • Importance of Ngai Tahu's settlement as an example of successful fund management.

Historical Context

  • Ngai Tahu's origins trace back to Waitaha, with significant alliances formed through warfare, intermarriage, and political alliances.

  • The tribal authority (Mana Whenua) extends across various geographical regions including Te Pari Nui Ofiti to the Titi Islands.

  • Colonization disrupted Ngai Tahu's authority and fragmented their connections, leading to loss of language and cultural knowledge.

Land Purchases and Economic History

  • 150 years ago, Ngai Tahu owned the majority of the South Island.

    • European settlement led to land sales over a twenty year period, starting from the Otago block in 1844.

    • Included the Kemp purchase (1848) for £2,000 and ultimately the total sales across numerous blocks amounted to £14,800.

  • Contextualization of £1 as a week's wage for unskilled labor at that time.

  • Contracts signed for approximately 34,500,000 acres (about 80% of Te Waipounamu) without fair recompense or adequate allocation of land.

    • Ngai Tahu's claims emphasized Crown's failure to honor treaty obligations, including the establishment of schools and hospitals.

Initial Claims and Petitions

  • Ngai Tahu began formal claims against the Crown for breach of contract as early as 1849.

    • Key figure: Tiramorehu, who sent petitions to the Crown, including one to Queen Victoria in 1857.

  • The claim process culminated in the Ngai Tahu Settlement Act (1998), resulting in diverse forms of redress (cultural, economic).

Current Status of Ngai Tahu

  • Ngai Tahu's diversified portfolio today includes major investments in:

    • Farming

    • Property

    • Seafood

    • Tourism

  • Emphasis on reclaiming identity, taking care of the environment, and fostering community connections.

Ngai Tahu’s Governance Structure

  • Ngai Tahu comprises 18 Papatapurunanga, or tribal councils, holding mana whenua over their areas.

  • Current membership: approximately 83,000 registered Ngai Tahu members.

Key Legislation and Governance Framework

  • The Ngai Tahu Claims Settlement Act and Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu Act (1996) formalized post-settlement governance structures.

  • Importance of Apology: The formal apology from the Crown acknowledged harmful conduct and breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi.

    • An apology is crucial for restoring relationships between the Crown and iwi.

Redress Mechanisms

Types of Redress

  1. Cultural Redress:

    • Pounamu Vesting Act (1997) grants all Pounamu ownership to Ngai Tahu.

    • Tutai Patu Lagoon, a culturally significant area, returned to Ngai Tahu keeping it within their control.

    • Aoraki Maunga renamed back to Aoraki signifies cultural restoration.

  2. Commercial Redress:

    • Provided a cash settlement of $170 million (equivalent to ~ $500 million today).

    • Rights of first refusal on Crown-owned land sales.

    • Context of settlement financial growth discussed.

Ngai Tahu’s Contemporary Structure

Office of Te Runanga

  • Central governance responsible for administering tribal assets and advancing collective interests.

  • Office of Trent: Focuses on enhancing social well-being through community initiatives.

  • Ngai Tahu Holdings Corporation: Generates revenue for tribal aspirations and future endeavors based on a range of investments.

Specific Areas of Investment

  1. Kai Tahutaka: Cultural development - $5,570,000 investment.

  2. Oraka: Health and well-being initiatives - $16,610,000 investment.

  3. Matauraka: Knowledge and education - $3,470,000 investment.

  4. Te Whakaariki: Strategy and influence - $4,410,000 investment.

  5. Te Aoturora: Environment and ecological protection - $7,280,000 investment.

  6. Te Kura Takapini: Freshwater preservation - $6,530,000 investment.

  7. Communications and Participation: Various efforts to engage the community.

Financial Implications and Growth

  • Ngai Tahu turned their initial settlement amount of $170 million into $1.75 billion today.

  • Analysis of the compound annual growth rate (~9%) over the last 25 years illustrates financial success.

  • Importance of indigenous groups managing their funds responsibly for sustainable long-term benefits.

Conclusion and Reflection Questions

  • Contemplation on iwi roles and responsibilities in addressing contemporary Maori outcomes within the context of historical injustices and colonization.

  • Queries posed regarding the roles of the crown compared to iwi in rectifying economic disparities.

  • Audience encouraged to think on how Maori development frameworks differ from conventional development theories, promoting cultural and community-focused perspectives.

Upcoming Topics

  • Next session will cover economic development focusing on Maori economic opportunities.