- Report
Kaitiaki-centred business models: Case studies of Māori marine-based enterprises in Aotearoa NZ
This report describes case studies representing different business models: ACE (annual catch entitlement) trading company, joint venture or iwi fishing company. Rout M, Lythberg B, Mika J, Gillies, Annemarie, Bodwitch H, Hikuroa D, Awatere S, Wiremu F, Rakena M, Reid J (2019)
It examines aspects of their operations that have a resonance with kaitiaki-centred business models. The case studies are:
- Ngāi Tahu Seafoods – a large iwi fishing company
- Moana New Zealand – the largest Māori-owned fishing company
- Iwi Collective Partnership – a collective of iwi fisheries organisations
- Ngāti Kahungunu – a tribe with a range of fisheries assets
- Whakatōhea – an iwi with aquaculture and fisheries interests
- Aotearoa Clams – a Māori-owned startup fishing company
Some kaitiaki-centred models or approaches are formalised within Māori fishing businesses while others emerge out of informal governance arrangements that reduce take for long-term sustainability.
These case studies suggest that where Māori have more control they manage things better. This in turn suggests that the Māori marine economy would benefit if kaitiaki-centred business models were recognised and formalised to allow fishers to control the quota allocation process and set their own boundaries.
June 2019
