The Self-Funded Vaka
The Business School held its annual Kōrero/Talanoa event last month, bringing together leading Māori and Pacific industry and community voices, entrepreneurs, whānau, alumni and students.
The panel, facilitated by Professor Saten Kumar, and featuring Dan Te Whenua Walker (CEO – Te Puna Ora o Mataatua), Pasitaua Haufono (Founder & CEO - Zeducation) and Marcel Fletcher (Customer Manager – Māori Business, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise) explored the vital question: ‘How can Māori and Pacific economies continue to thrive, grow and exercise economic self-determination in a changing landscape?’.
Grappling with topics like advancing AI, data centres, a changing policy landscape and economic uncertainty, our panellists discussed how, rather than seeing these as insurmountable barriers, indigenous businesses can harness them and become more innovative, resilient and globally connected in the process.
Dan spoke about the ‘economy of mana’ - a philosophy of economics first introduced by late Māori academic Professor Mānuka Hēnare. The model shifts the focus away from pure profit-maximisation toward collective, intergenerational well-being.
“When we think about ownership of whenua, we need to move away from the western perspective of cutting our land into small pieces and selling it off for more. We’re in a cycle now where we need to start innovating and evolving into a stage of ‘Mana Motuhake’ where we’re not reliant on the government.
Building our own mana outside of that system and outside of the American world view is crucial.”
On the subject of the benefits and drawbacks of AI integration, Pasitaua cautioned, “It’s important to ask yourself, am I using this as a tool or as a weapon?
And this is where our cultural values come into play – things like respect, service, family, community – if you leverage those, then you start using AI for good, in an impactful and meaningful way.”
The resounding message: indigenous frameworks, narratives, leadership and values are needed now more than ever. How Aotearoa engages with them today will help shape our future.
Check out the Talanoa session recording and photo gallery.