This strategy has been prepared by the Ākina Foundation to share insights gathered as part of the Social Enterprise Sector Development Programme (SESDP) and to contribute to the growing body of knowledge and kōrero on Māori Social Enterprise (Pakihi Whai Kaupapa).
The strategy has been prepared following regional engagement with interested stakeholders by Māori Women's Development Inc, reported in the Māori Social Enterprise National Insights Report (prepared by Māori Women's Development Inc). The strategy draws on the National Insights on Social Enterprise 2017 - Pakihi Whai Kaupapa (commissioned by Te Puni Kōkiri) and aligns with national strategies such as He Kai Kei Āku Ringa the Crown Māori Economic Growth Partnership Strategy to 2040 and the Indigenous Approach to the Living Standards Framework 2019 (prepared by Te Puni Kōkiri and the Treasury).
This strategy is intended to share the insights that we have gathered, guide operational delivery of the SESDP and propose action areas that Government and other stakeholders could focus on when considering how to invest in and grow Māori Social Enterprise.
Pakihi Whai Kaupapa - business that pursues purpose
Pakihi whai kaupapa is a business that strives to fulfil a mission beyond economic gain. The concept of a business pursuing broader goals, and not just pure economic gain, has been practiced by Māori for generations. Early inter-tribal trade was conducted for the benefit of the greater Iwi, not for individual gain. Today, Māori businesses continue to grow the Māori economy while also achieving significant positive social and environmental benefit.
Economic drivers for māori businesses are seen in a wider wellbeing context, and are informed by te ao Māori (a Māori world view) where, for example, whenua (land) is not seen just for its economic potential, but through familial and spiritual connections defined by cultural concepts such as whakapapa (genealogy) and kaitiakitanga (stewardship). The history of pakihi whai kaupapa and the Māori economy creates a unique context and opportunity for social enterprise in New Zealand. We have a responsibility to serve this uniqueness, and to learn from it to develop a thriving social enterprise sector in Aotearoa New Zealand.
“He waka anga whakamua”
Acknowledging that in order to move forward, everyone needs to be in the waka, rowing together in the same time and in the same direction.