There is irony in what im about to say – as the NZ economy falters, the Māori economy keeps growing – irony number two of course is the Māori tax base is building while the non-Māori tax base is getting older. In this first episode of “off the sheeps back” I talk with those involved in the economy, economists and political insiders – in future episodes ill unpack specific industries such as Technology, Agriculture, Tourism and more. But lets start with setting the scene:
The Māori economy has emerged as a powerful and growing component of New Zealand’s national economy, underpinned by assets in key sectors such as forestry, fisheries, agriculture, tourism, and property. As of 2025, the Māori asset base is estimated to exceed $120 billion, demonstrating not only economic strength but also the increasing capability of iwi, hapū, and Māori enterprises to manage wealth and generate intergenerational prosperity.
