Financial Literacy with Māori Economic Principles

Learning Objectives

By the end of this unit, students will be able to:

Explain key Māori economic concepts and values
Compare traditional Māori and contemporary economic systems
Apply principles of manaakitanga (hospitality) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship) to financial decision-making
Analyse how Māori economic principles can inform sustainable financial practices
Develop a personal financial plan incorporating Māori values

Cultural Context: Tikanga Māori in Economics

Traditional Māori economic systems were based on reciprocal relationships and collective wellbeing rather than individual profit. Key concepts include:

Māori Economic Values Matching Activity

Match each Māori economic principle with its correct definition:

Term	Definition
Utu	Reciprocity - maintaining balance in exchanges
Manaakitanga	Generosity and hospitality - enhancing others' mana
Kaitiakitanga	Guardianship - sustainable resource management
Whanaungatanga	Relationship building - economic connections
Tikanga	Correct procedures - economic protocols

Tikanga Considerations: When discussing Māori economic systems, remember these protocols:

Respect the mana (prestige) of traditional knowledge
Understand economic decisions were made collectively by hapū (sub-tribe)
Recognise that resources were viewed as taonga (treasures) to be protected

Comparing Economic Systems

Economic System Comparison

Complete the table comparing aspects of traditional Māori and contemporary economic systems:

Aspect	Traditional Māori System	Contemporary System
Resource Ownership	Collective (hapū/iwi)	Individual/Corporate
Primary Goal	Community wellbeing	Profit maximization
Time Horizon	Intergenerational	Short-term
Value Measurement	Social and cultural capital	Financial capital

Applying Māori Economic Principles

Case Study: Sustainable Investment

Read this scenario and answer the questions:

"A Māori land trust must decide between leasing land to a dairy corporation (high financial return but environmental impacts) or developing an organic community garden (lower financial return but sustainable and benefits community)."

Decision-Making Framework:

How would kaitiakitanga influence this decision?
What utu (balance) needs to be considered?
How might manaakitanga apply to workers' conditions?
What intergenerational impacts (whakapapa) should be considered?

Assessment Rubric

Criteria	Achieved	Merit	Excellence
Understanding of Māori economic principles	Identifies basic concepts	Explains concepts with examples	Analyses concepts in depth with cultural insight
Comparison of economic systems	Lists some differences	Compares systems with valid points	Evaluates systems with critical analysis
Application to financial decisions	Basic application of principles	Clear application with reasoning	Sophisticated application with innovation
Cultural authenticity	Some cultural references	Accurate cultural understanding	Nuanced cultural insight and respect

Extension Activities

Personal Financial Plan

Create a personal financial plan incorporating Māori economic principles:

Include kaitiakitanga in spending choices (eco-friendly products)

Apply manaakitanga in budgeting (charitable giving)

Consider whanaungatanga in income (supporting Māori businesses)

Implement utu in savings (balance between present/future needs)

Research Project

Investigate a contemporary Māori business or organisation and analyse how it blends traditional economic principles with modern practices.

Teacher Implementation Notes

Prior Knowledge

Students should have basic understanding of:

Fundamental economic concepts (supply/demand, profit, etc.)
Key aspects of Māori culture (concepts of mana, tapu, noa)
Basic financial literacy (budgeting, saving, investing)

Differentiation Strategies

Support: Provide vocabulary lists with definitions, use graphic organizers for comparisons
Extension: Have students research specific iwi economic models (e.g., Tainui's economic development)

Assessment Options

Written report comparing economic systems
Presentation on applying Māori principles to a financial case study
Creation of a financial plan with Māori values integration

Cultural Safety

Consult with local Māori experts or kaumātua where possible
Use correct pronunciation of Māori terms (provide audio if needed)
Acknowledge regional variations in Māori economic practices

Resources and References

Online Resources

Te Ara Encyclopedia - Māori Economic History
Māori Trustee financial literacy resources
Te Pūtea Matua (Reserve Bank) Māori economic indicators

Community Connections

Local Māori land trusts or incorporations
Māori business networks (e.g., Federation of Māori Authorities)
Iwi economic development units