Title: Maori entrepreneurial activity in Aotearoa New Zealand

Authors: Franceen Reihana, Mihipeka Sisley, Helmut Modlik

Addresses: C/- 39 Bongard Street, Gate Pa, Tauranga 3112, New Zealand. ' C/- 39 Bongard Street, Gate Pa, Tauranga 3112, New Zealand. ' C/- 39 Bongard Street, Gate Pa, Tauranga 3112, New Zealand

Abstract: This research supplements a national and international project that studies the complex relationship between entrepreneurship and economic growth. This research specifically concerns itself with gaining an insight into Maori micro-entrepreneurial activity in Aotearoa New Zealand. Preliminary research identified specific entrepreneurial framework conditions that influence Maori enterprise creation and growth. The research also encourages Government policies that promote Maori social-economic transformation. The research reveals that social-cultural norms have a significant influence on Maori entrepreneurial activity. This research proposes that if social-cultural, educational-training and finance issues are addressed appropriately the anticipated wealth creating enterprises that Government desires may occur naturally. For an entrepreneurial spirit to foster responsibility still largely remains with resourceful individuals not afraid of being held back by factors and conditions that work against them.

Keywords: entrepreneurship; Maori; micro-enterprise; New Zealand; SMEs; small and medium-sized enterprises; entrepreneurial activity; economic growth; enterprise creation; enterprise growth; small business; socioeconomic transformation; culture; cultural norms; social norms; education; training; government policy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2007.014394

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2007 Vol.4 No.5, pp.636 - 653

Published online: 04 Jul 2007 *

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