Applying the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in your business

Te Tiriti o Waitangi, or the Treaty of Waitangi, is a foundational document of Aotearoa that governs the relationship between the Crown (represented by the government) and Māori. In your business, honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi is essential for promoting equity, partnership, and cultural diversity. Here are some key principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and their implications for your business:

Partnership: Te Tiriti o Waitangi establishes a partnership between the Crown and Māori, based on mutual respect, cooperation, and shared decision-making. In the workplace, this principle calls for recognising and respecting the rights, perspectives, and aspirations of Māori staff, customers, and other stakeholders. It involves engaging Māori in decision-making processes, seeking their input on matters that affect them, and fostering collaboration and partnership between Māori and non-Māori staff.

Protection: Te Tiriti o Waitangi guarantees the protection of Māori rights, including their cultural, social, economic, and political interests. This principle requires businesses to create a safe and supportive environment where Māori staff can express their cultural identity, values, and beliefs without fear of discrimination or marginalisation. It involves implementing policies and practices that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, and addressing systemic barriers that may hinder the full participation and advancement of Māori employees.

Participation: Te Tiriti o Waitangi affirms Māori self-determination and the right of Māori to participate fully in society and decision-making processes. In business, this principle calls for empowering Māori staff to exercise their agency, voice their opinions, and contribute their unique perspectives and knowledge to business initiatives and decision-making. It involves providing opportunities for Māori leadership development, mentoring, and career advancement, and creating spaces for Māori cultural expression and engagement.

Māori Values in Business

Māori values in business were raised in the previous module. As with the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, acknowledging, understanding and incorporating Māori values into business is beneficial for everyone involved; there is much to learn from these values.

Māori Business

A brief history of Māori business

Before European contact, Māori society was organised into tribal groups (iwi and hapū) that engaged in sophisticated agriculture, fishing, hunting, and trading, utilising advanced techniques and extensive trade networks.

During early European contact (1769-1840), Māori enterprises adapted to new opportunities and challenges by participating in whaling and sealing, adopting European agriculture and livestock, and engaging in extensive trade with Europeans.

The 19th century brought significant upheaval for Māori enterprise due to land sales and confiscations, which led to urban migration and economic shifts. By the 20th century, Māori were seeking urban employment, revitalising their culture, and improving educational and economic opportunities.

Today, Māori enterprise is diverse and vibrant, encompassing a wide range of sectors:

• Land-based enterprises: Māori land trusts and corporations manage substantial agricultural, forestry, and fishing operations.
• Tourism: Māori culture and heritage are key attractions in New Zealand's tourism industry, with many Māori-owned businesses offering unique cultural experiences.
• Innovation and technology: Māori entrepreneurs are increasingly active in innovative sectors such as technology, creative industries, and green energy.
• Collective economic development: Entities such as iwi corporations and Māori business networks play crucial roles in fostering economic development.

Opportunities for Māori business can include:

1. Unique cultural identity: Leveraging Māori culture and heritage can create strong brand differentiation and attract both domestic and international customers interested in authentic experiences and products.
2. Tourism: The growing global interest in cultural tourism presents significant opportunities for Māori-owned tourism businesses.
3. Whānau, hapū, and iwi collaboration: Collective approaches can pool resources, share risks, and enhance the scale of operations, making enterprises more competitive and resilient.
4. Partnerships and joint ventures: Forming strategic partnerships with other businesses, both Māori and non-Māori, can provide access to new markets, technologies, and expertise.
5. Kaitiakitanga (guardianship): Emphasising sustainable practices and environmental stewardship aligns with Māori values and meets the growing consumer demand for ethical and sustainable products.
6. Green economy: Opportunities in renewable energy, conservation projects, and sustainable agriculture align well with Māori values and global sustainability trends.