Māori Assets Surge to $32.6 Billion as Authorities Record 28 Percent Profit Increase

Fresh data from Stats NZ has highlighted the growing economic influence of Māori enterprise, revealing that Māori authorities and businesses now control assets valued at $32.6 billion. According to the Tatauranga umanga Māori: 2025 report released in September 2026, as reported by Waatea News, this represents a significant $830 million increase within a single year. The figures identify a total of 5,850 economically significant businesses, comprising 1,362 Māori authorities and 4,488 other Māori enterprises. This collective powerhouse generated $5.7 billion in total income and recorded a pre-tax surplus of $781 million, marking a 28 percent increase in profitability. Employment figures further underscore the role of these businesses as vital community pillars. The data shows that approximately 55,700 people are employed across these identified entities, with 12,500 working for Māori authorities and 43,200 for other Māori enterprises. While Tāmaki Makaurau remains a major hub hosting 17 percent of these units, the reach is nationwide. Furthermore, Māori enterprises are making their mark globally, contributing $1.446 billion in goods exports. China remains a primary trade partner, accounting for 24 percent of exports specifically from Māori authorities. The report identifies a diverse range of activity, noting that Māori enterprise has expanded beyond traditional primary sectors. While agriculture, forestry, and fishing remain a foundation with 756 businesses, the professional, scientific, and technical services sector has emerged as the largest industry grouping for non-authority Māori enterprises, accounting for 834 businesses. This shift demonstrates a robust diversification into high-value industries alongside construction, healthcare, and tourism. Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka and Regional Development Minister Shane Jones have both noted the significance of these figures. Minister Potaka emphasized leveraging this asset base to generate lasting intergenerational wealth and jobs for whānau, hapū, and iwi. Minister Jones, who is also the New Zealand First deputy leader, noted that these economic figures are converging with the current political landscape ahead of Election 2026. This economic surge coincides with the enduring importance of Kotahitanga, recently highlighted during Koroneihana 2026 at Tūrangawaewae. For iwi and Māori entrepreneurs, the focus remains on maintaining environmental responsibilities and the protection of collectively held whenua while translating growing balance sheets into direct benefits for the community. Stats NZ notes that because these statistics represent only defined subsets of significant businesses, the actual economic footprint is likely even larger.