Māori asset base grows by $26 billion under Labour.
According to a recent report from MBIE, the Māori economy has seen substantial growth during Labour's time in Government. The report shows that the Māori asset base has exceeded expectations, growing from $69 billion in 2018 to $126 billion in 2023 - an increase of $26 billion.
Labour acting spokesperson Peeni Henare attributed this success to policies such as Progressive Procurement and targeted funding approaches for Māori initiatives. As a result, more Māori are employed in high-skilled jobs, with self-employment among Māori surging by 86 percent. The number of Māori employers also grew by 91 percent.
However, Henare expressed concern that the current Government's decisions may undo these gains. By scrapping programs like Progressive Procurement and undermining iwi and Māori organisations, Christopher Luxon's Government may be jeopardizing the future of Māori businesses and their contribution to the economy.