This collection of educational resources represents a comprehensive exploration of Te Ao Māori – the Māori world view - specifically developed to assist business, investment, and finance professionals in understanding and integrating Māori perspectives into their practice.
These documents emerged from the recognition that as Aotearoa New Zealand continues to evolve as a bicultural nation, there is an urgent need for deeper cultural competency across all sectors, particularly within the investment and finance industries.
The Māori world view is fundamentally relational and interconnected, with its foundation captured in whakapapa (genealogy). At its core lies the principle that “everything is interrelated, nothing exists of itself” - what we term ‘collective self-intelligence’. This perspective offers profound insights for sustainable and ethical business practices, challenging the individualistic frameworks that have traditionally dominated Western economic thinking.
Ngā ritenga me ngā whakamārama - Protocols and clarifications
These resources are presented as educational guidance rather than authoritative doctrine. They are designed to provide foundational understanding to assist in developing cultural competency and fostering meaningful relationships with Māori communities. Each document includes practical examples, frameworks, and tools that can be immediately applied in business contexts. The materials acknowledge that Te Ao Māori is dynamic and continues to evolve, integrating traditional knowledge with contemporary experiences. They emphasise that meaningful engagement requires genuine commitment to partnership rather than tokenistic consultation.
Te tautoko - Support and acknowledgement
This work builds upon the profound indigenous knowledge systems that have guided Māori communities for centuries. It draws particularly from Te Ao Tahito narratives and traditional whakapapa, while also incorporating contemporary applications developed through initiatives like the TAHITO indigenous ethical investment framework. The resources include extensive practical guidance, from understanding how to identify appropriate Māori authorities to work with, to implementing culturally responsive frameworks that honour Treaty principles while delivering business value.
Mōku - About the author
Temuera Hall brings over two decades of experience in applying indigenous Māori knowledge systems to contemporary business and investment practices. As a practitioner of traditional Māori knowledge and a business professional, Temuera bridges the gap between ancestral wisdom and modern financial frameworks. His expertise spans the development of culturally responsive investment strategies, the integration of ESG principles with traditional Māori values, and the practical application of Treaty principles in business contexts. Temuera’s work with TAHITO Limited has pioneered the world’s first indigenous ethical investment fund, demonstrating how Māori world views can enhance both social impact and financial returns.
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Te tahuhu o ngā rauemi - The framework of resources
Paper 1: Te Ao Māori - The Māori world view establishes the foundational differences between Māori and Western perspectives, highlighting how these contrasting world views shape everything from environmental relationships to approaches to time and progress.
Paper 2: What is a Māori community and how to connect provides practical guidance on understanding Māori social structures - from iwi and hapū to modern Māori authorities - and offers concrete steps for meaningful engagement.
Paper 3: He whakataki me te tirohanga taumatatiketike - The why presents the compelling case for why businesses should integrate Treaty principles, drawing on both legal obligations and the substantial economic reality of Māori participation in New Zealand’s economy.
Paper 4: Ngā mātāpono o Te Tiriti o Waitangi - The principles of The Treaty of Waitangi delivers actionable frameworks for embedding Treaty principles of partnership, protection, and participation into business operations and investment strategies.
Paper 5: Te whakakotahi i te tirohanga - Embedding Māori values and ethics in business and investing delves deep into core Māori concepts such as aroha, mana, mauri, and waiora, demonstrating how these values can transform business practices toward more sustainable and ethical outcomes.
Te Wero o te Kōtuku
Te taiao huringa - The changing landscape
These resources arrive at a pivotal moment. Stats NZ data shows Māori authorities generated over $4 billion in sales in 2025, while demographic projections indicate that by 2036, Māori, Pacific, and Asian peoples will comprise just over 50% of New Zealand’s population. Understanding and respecting Te Ao Māori is not just ethically imperative - it’s essential for business success in Aotearoa’s future.
The documents demonstrate how Māori ethics naturally align with emerging global trends toward environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing, circular economy principles, and stakeholder capitalism. The Māori principle of kaitiakitanga (guardianship) offers profound insights for environmental stewardship, while concepts like whanaungatanga (relationships) provide frameworks for building trust and long-term value creation.