Analysis of Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga’s contribution as a system enabler

Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga commissioned Matatihi to assess the returns generated through more than two decades of public investment. Using Social Return on Investment (SROI), cost-benefit analysis, and the Whakapapa Economics framework, the report evaluates NPM's contribution to Māori research capability, knowledge production, leadership, research infrastructure, and research-informed change between 2002 and 2024.

The analysis shows NPM generated an estimated $533.61 million in total value from a $142.65 million investment base, equivalent to a return of $3.74 for every dollar invested. Under a conservative orthodox model, NPM generated $330.73 million in value and returned $2.32 per dollar invested. Major value drivers include the Te Kupenga o MAI doctoral pathway, research and knowledge translation, and national Indigenous research infrastructure.

The evidence supports NPM as a critical system enabler whose value compounds across researchers, whānau, communities, institutions, and future generations, creating enduring benefits for Māori research excellence in Aotearoa and internationally.

This report evaluates the value created through NPM’s contributions to Māori research capability, knowledge production, leadership development, research infrastructure, and research-informed social change.