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The Māori and Pasifika economies are two of the fastest-growing and most culturally dynamic parts of New Zealand’s economic landscape, each contributing significantly to national prosperity while maintaining strong foundations in identity, culture, and community.
Māori Economy
The Māori economy is now valued at more than $120 billion, driven by a diverse asset base spanning agribusiness, fisheries, forestry, tourism, property, and a rapidly expanding professional services and innovation sector.
Iwi and Māori-owned enterprises emphasise long-term, intergenerational stewardship of whenua (land), moana (sea), and people. Growth has been powered by strategic investment, Treaty settlements, rising Māori entrepreneurship, and a young, skilled Māori workforce. The Māori economy is increasingly recognised as a cornerstone of regional development, sustainability leadership, and cultural resilience.
Pasifika Economy
The Pasifika economy in New Zealand continues to grow as Pasifika communities expand, urbanise, and diversify into health, trades, creative industries, education, small business, and emerging technology sectors. Pasifika workers are essential in construction, logistics, caregiving, and hospitality, while Pasifika entrepreneurship is accelerating through family-owned businesses, cultural enterprises, and social innovation.
The Pasifika economy is defined by strong cultural networks, collective values, and a youthful population that represents major future potential for the national workforce.
Shared Strengths
Both economies are underpinned by:
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Strong community and cultural identity
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High levels of entrepreneurship
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Young and future-facing workforces
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Growing influence in creative, service, and knowledge-based industries
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Increasing regional and national leadership roles
Together, the Māori and Pasifika economies contribute significantly to New Zealand’s economic resilience, cultural richness, and long-term prosperity, embodying models of development that balance commercial success with wellbeing, sustainability, and collective uplift.
About Mary
Mary Los’e is Chief Executive of Pacific Business Trust (PBT), which describes itself as the national Pacific economic development agency for Aotearoa New Zealand. Her heritage reflects a mixed Pacific and Māori whakapapa: she has roots in Tongan villages (Haʻapai islands) as well as Māori descent through Ngāti Rereahu (part of the wider Ngāti Maniapoto tribal grouping). Mary grew up in West Auckland (Kelston), the youngest of nine siblings, in a large whānau – an upbringing she says shaped her resilience, leadership instincts, and value for community and relationships.
Mary’s career path is broad and varied: she has worked across media, corporate, public service, and community sectors:
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She began in journalism and broadcasting. Early on she trained (alongside one of her brothers) in journalism, then went on to work across print, radio, and television.
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In the 1990s she even acted – she was cast in the long-running NZ television soap opera Shortland Street, playing “Ana Fa’asolo,” the show’s first Pasifika nurse.
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Over time she transitioned into more corporate and public service-oriented roles. These included roles in marketing, communications, banking (innovation), housing, and health sectors.
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She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from University of Auckland – a qualification she pursued to strengthen her capacity for leadership and strategic business growth.
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In early 2023 she was appointed CEO of the Pacific Business Trust, marking her first time in a CEO role.
About Matthew Tukaki
Matthew Tamahai Tukaki (Ngāi Te Rangi) is a prominent Māori leader, public policy advocate, and business figure known for his work in social policy, economic development, suicide prevention, and Māori rights. Over the past decade, he has held key positions across government, iwi organisations, and international agencies, becoming a recognised voice on issues affecting Māori communities.
Tukaki has been a leading figure in the National Māori Authority, advocating for Māori economic empowerment, health equity, improved housing outcomes, and strengthened Crown–Māori relationships. Under his leadership, the Authority frequently engaged in national debates on social justice, Oranga Tamariki reform, workforce development, and economic strategy.
Appointed to oversee the troubled child-protection agency, Tukaki played a critical role in scrutinising systems that disproportionately failed Māori children and whānau. His leadership supported significant change across the organisation, pushing for accountability, cultural competency, and a shift toward whānau-centred practice.
Tukaki has a long history in business and governance, including:
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CEO roles in the private sector
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Chairing the New Zealand arm of the global Indigenous World Business Council
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Serving as Australia’s representative to the UN Global Compact Network (later becoming its Chair)
His work has often focused on workforce development, education pathways for rangatahi, and building Māori capability across industries.
Before returning to New Zealand public life, Tukaki spent years in Australia, where he held senior roles in:
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Employment and training
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Indigenous business advocacy
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International sustainability and governance forums
His work with the UN Global Compact placed him at the centre of global corporate responsibility and sustainability initiatives.
Tukaki has been a strong advocate for Māori mental health and suicide prevention, using his platforms to highlight gaps in services, push for early intervention, and ensure that Māori-led solutions are prioritised. He has worked with communities to develop culturally-grounded prevention strategies.
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