Centralized decentralization for tribal business development. Issue 3 (19th August 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barr, Tremane Lindsay; Reid, John
• Editors: Kariv, Dafna
• Is Part Of: Journal of enterprising communities. Volume 8:Issue 3(2014)
• Publication Date: 2014-08-19
• Subjects: Industries -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Globalization -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Economic development -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Ethnic communities -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; Community development -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; 338.9105
• DOI: 10.1108/JEC-10-2012-0054
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1750-6204

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: In New Zealand a number of Maori tribes have negotiated compensation with the New Zealand government for past injustices. These assets are typically centralized within iwi (tribal) corporate structures to protect and grow the asset base on behalf of tribal constituents. This centralization of assets has caused political tension within tribes. The purpose of this research was to identify and create a decentralized development system specific for the whānau (family) and hapū/Rūnanga (sub-tribe) members of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. Design/methodology/approach: This paper provides a case study of whānau / hapu-level businesses facilitated by the post-settlement iwi – Ngāi Tahu – to demonstrate how each level can work synergistically to encourage multi-level economic development in a way that matches cultural patterns and expectations. Participant action research theory and practice was utilised by researchers from Toitu Te Kāinga (Regional Development Unit of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu) between 2008-2012. This was informed by an Enterprise Facilitation person-centred perspective and a Kaupapa Māori philosophy of respect and empowerment of the participants needs. Findings: This paper argues that while a certain level of centralization is required, to ring-fence and protect tribal assets at an iwi (tribal) level, the benefits gained by that centralization can then be utilized to provide a spring-board for decentralized economic development at the whānau (family) and hapū (sub-tribe) levels. Originality/value: This new indigenous development system is referred to as the Symbiotic Development Model (SDM) and is an original outcome of this research paper. The paper concludes that tribal economic development in the post-settlement era in New Zealand needs to combine aspects of both centralization and decentralization.