Focus on the Ngai Tahu tribe

Abstract

This paper examines the role that indigenous people's rights to land and resources and resulting settlements play in their economic development. Specifically, an examination of Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, offers explanation for indigenous people's socio-economic circumstances and presents a solution for their economic development in the future. First, a history of the Treaty of Waitangi, an agreement signed between the Crown of England and Maori in 1840, is provided that helps explain what has led to the depressed socio-economic circumstances of Maori today. Following this, an examination of socio-economic statistics highlights the concern for Maori due to their substandard position in comparison to the remainder of the New Zealand population. Then, the landmark Maori claim and settlement, Te Kereme o Ngai Tahu, is discussed and analysed. Finally, the highly successful nature of the Ngai Tahu claim and subsequent tribal development (Katschner, 2005) are used to construct a framework for economic development of Maori people following Treaty of Waitangi settlement.