The National Iwi Chairs Forum is warning that rising Māori unemployment and a lack of targeted investment in Budget 2026 are creating growing economic pressure for whānau across Aotearoa.
Speaking on behalf of iwi leaders, Na Raihania says Māori unemployment has climbed to around 11.5 percent, roughly double the national rate, with the impacts being felt in communities already grappling with the rising cost of living, housing pressures and limited employment opportunities.
The latest figures have sparked concern among Māori leaders, who say job losses are disproportionately affecting Māori workers and threatening gains made in employment and workforce participation over recent years.
The National Iwi Chairs Forum has been particularly critical of Budget 2026, arguing it fails to deliver meaningful pathways into employment, training and long-term economic development for Māori communities.
Iwi leaders contend that while the Budget focuses on broader economic growth, it lacks targeted measures to address persistent disparities in employment outcomes and workforce participation experienced by Māori.
Concerns are also growing about increasing numbers of rangatahi Māori leaving New Zealand in search of better employment opportunities overseas. Community leaders say the trend reflects frustrations around limited job prospects, wage pressures and a lack of investment in training and career pathways at home.
The loss of young skilled workers is seen as a significant long-term challenge, with fears it could weaken regional economies, reduce the future Māori workforce and slow the growth of the Māori economy.
The National Iwi Chairs Forum is advocating for a kaupapa Māori economic approach that places whānau wellbeing, skills development and regional growth at the centre of economic planning.
Supporters say such an approach would include greater investment in Māori-led employment initiatives, apprenticeships, vocational training, infrastructure projects, housing development and support for Māori businesses and entrepreneurs.
They argue that strengthening connections between education, training and employment opportunities would help create sustainable career pathways while ensuring economic development benefits whānau and communities directly.
The debate comes as Māori economic development continues to be recognised as a major contributor to Aotearoa’s future prosperity. However, iwi leaders say achieving that potential will require policies that address structural barriers and create genuine opportunities for Māori workers to succeed.
As pressure mounts on the Government to respond to worsening employment figures, the issue is expected to remain a major focus for iwi leaders, economic commentators and communities across the country.
