Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga has launched a new research initiative concerning Māori economic development. Te Pae Tawhiti (""the distant horizon"") is one of NPM's most significant research programmes. This week's economic development launch follows the start late last year of Te Pae Tawhiti: Te Reo Māori, a three-year research initiative exploring the value of Māori language on New Zealand economy, culture and society.

Over the next three years, Te Pae Tawhiti: Māori Economic Development aims to establish a Māori economic development framework using collaboration, investigation and engagement as a catalyst for change and economic growth. Informed by Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) the programme seeks to support the wellbeing of future generations, and the environment, of Aotearoa. It is expected that the research outputs will also inform policy development.

The Māori dimension of New Zealand's economy is distinctive, significant and growing, and there are significant needs and opportunities present in this Māori economy. Our primary research focus is to establish a Māori economic development framework using collaboration, investigation and engagement as catalysts for transformation. The research programme will enhance understanding of, and the means to empower, economic growth. Our research will be informed by mātauranga Māori and seek to support the wellbeing of future generations of New Zealand and the environment in which they live.

The academic leader for this project is Distinguished Professor Graham Smith, Chief Executive of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi who is partnering with Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa. Co-researchers are Jeremy Gardiner and Richard Jefferies.

Professor Stephen Cornell from the University of Arizona, key person behind the Harvard University Indigenous Economic Development project, is an external advisor to the project. (See our Media Centre to view the Professor Stephen Cornell seminar.)

Over time, this valuable research will establish a self-defined aspirational framework for Māori economic development and will show that creativity and innovation are key to enabling increased economic returns for Māori owned or controlled assets.

The following video shows highlights from the launch. Full-length video presentations of each guest speaker will be posted to this media centre at a later date.