August 28, 2013
Marae business hubs explored
The head of Auckland University’s Mira Szaszy Research Centre for Māori and Pacific Economic Development hopes new marae and community-based businesses will arise out of a new programme.
The university’s Business School has signed an agreement with Auckland Council’s community development section to run an indigenous social enterprise programme called Haere Whakamua.
Associate Professor Manuka Henare says what’s called the fourth sector of businesses created for social and community goals is one of the fastest-growing sectors globally.
He says marae can act as hubs for the new businesses.
"When you think about it the marae itself is a business. We think of it as a cultural place but actually it's a cultural place where a lot of business is done. For instance, tangi are a form of business because it's a form of hospitality. What we want to do is look closely at these cultural activities we do, and we will see in them a business imperative," Dr Henare says.
Haere Whakamua is being seen as a four-year research programme, where the business school can help build capacity in governance, financial control systems and business planning.
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