Extract

Key themes

Te Ōhanga Māori continues to be a strong, growing, unique, and diversified component of the Aotearoa New Zealand economy.

The Māori economy is transforming, moving beyond agriculture, forestry, and fishing

The Māori economic contribution to the Aotearoa New Zealand economy has grown from $17 billion (6.5 percent of GDP) in 2018 to $32 billion (8.9 percent of GDP) in 2023. While agriculture, forestry, and fishing were the primary contributors in 2018, administrative, support, and other services ($4.2 billion), and professional services ($5.1 billion) now lead the way.

Remarkable growth in the Māori asset base from $69 billion to $126 billion

The Māori asset base has grown from $69 billion in 2018 to $126 billion in 2023, representing an 83 percent increase. This is made up of $66 billion in assets for Māori businesses and employers, $41 billion in assets for Māori trusts, incorporations, and other Māori entities (Māori collectives), and $19 billion in assets for self-employed Māori

Entrepreneurship has continued with a solid growth trajectory, although it still lags behind the national average

Māori entrepreneurship experienced dramatic growth again between 2018 and 2023. The number of self-employed Māori surged by 49 percent, while the number of Māori employers increased by 31 percent. Despite this significant progress, Māori remain underrepresented in these roles compared to the wider Aotearoa New Zealand population.

For the first time since 2006, Māori workers now hold more high-skilled jobs than low-skilled jobs

Māori representation in the workforce is growing, with the younger generation entering the workforce. Additionally, there has been a positive shift in the skill levels of Māori workers, with 46 percent now in high-skilled jobs, 14 percent in skilled jobs, and 40 percent in low-skilled jobs. In 2018, 37 percent of Māori were in high-skilled jobs and 51 percent in low-skilled jobs.

For Māori households economic disparity persists, despite recent positive trends

Home ownership rates continue to be lower among Māori, with only 52 percent of Māori households owning their homes, compared to 67 percent of non-Māori households. Additionally, government grants and social benefits constitute a larger portion of Māori household income, accounting for 33 percent of the total, while this figure is only nine percent for non-Māori households. Notably, this is the first time since 2006 that government assistance for Māori households has not increased. 

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, MBIE | Business and Economic Research Limited, Berl

November 2024, March 2025

See also

MBIE