Investment Sector Kaupapa Māori Market Scan released

The Investment Sector Kaupapa Māori Market Scan has been released, providing a first baseline of how kaupapa Māori is currently reflected across the investment and wealth sector in Aotearoa.

It was prepared by RŌA Consulting, and funded by Trust Waikato, with support from the Aotearoa New Zealand Stewardship Code and RIAA. It builds on the three strategic pou that came out of an industry working group: Mātauranga (Māori values and worldviews shape investment practice), Ara Ake (pathways for Māori participation and leadership) and Te Haumi (Māori-led investments and partnership).

RŌA surveyed organisations from across the investment and wealth sector - investment managers, Māori asset owners, iwi, philanthropic trusts and community organisations - to identify current market activity against each pou.

The clearest finding is a gap between intent and infrastructure. Twenty-two of 32 respondents rated Māori values and worldviews as very important or critical to the future of investment practice, and future importance scored 3.91 out of 5. Engagement with Māori-led investment opportunities scored 3.09. Māori values are most visible in governance, culture and Te Tiriti commitments, and least visible in investment-specific tools: only five respondents have a Māori investment framework, while 17 want one. Capability, time and access to specialist advice were the main constraints identified.

Interest in future activity is strong across all three pou. The report sets out practical recommendations to progress these under each.

Read the full report here.