The creative spirit: emancipatory Māori entrepreneurship in screen production in New Zealand

Abstract

ABSTRACTIndigenous peoples practice traditions unique to their cultures. Unfortunately, many suffer the negative consequences of conquest. Increasingly, Indigenous peoples look outside their communities to build capacity, and engage with local communities [Fryer, M., Quijano, U., Sadeghi, P., Calero, C., Garcia Villegas, S., & Vargas, S. (2012). Implementation of the strategy for indigenous development (GN-2387-5): Lessons from the portfolio review. New York, NY: Inter-American Development Bank; Bajada, C., & Trayler, R. (2014). A fresh approach to indigenous business education. Education + Training, 56(7), 613–634]. This article is based on a study that examined Indigenous (Māori) entrepreneurs in New Zealand who own screen production companies, making films and television that contribute to the revitalization of Māori language and culture, as well as creating employment and wealth for the business owners and their communities. Despite differences in background and outlook, this group share common views about the importance of their identity as Māori and their desire for emancipation. Emancipation here means the creation of viable and robust companies that could liberate them from the organizations they had previously worked in. The study not only highlights the experiences of Indigenous entrepreneurs, but it also contributes to the Indigenous entrepreneurship literature.