About this research
Project lead: Professor Carla Houkamau Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, Kāi Tahu The University of Auckland | Waipapa Taumata Rau (Host)
This research project partners Waipapa Taumata Rau (University of Auckland) with Ngā Pou a Tāne (National Māori Forestry Association) to address a critical paradox: while Māori own approximately 48% of commercial forest land and comprise 34% of the workforce, they remain significantly underrepresented in senior leadership roles.
Our study examines why this disparity persists by analysing historical, political, legal and cultural dynamics underpinning Māori forestry involvement. Treaty settlements have restored over 511,000 hectares of ex-Crown Forest License Land to iwi ownership, with Māori land trusts managing an additional 194,000 hectares.
This pivotal moment requires comprehensive research documenting both historical context and contemporary challenges. Our work will produce ";Mana Ngahere: The Past, Present, and Future of Māori Forestry " a book examining how tikanga Māori principles guide sustainable forestry management while balancing commercial imperatives with cultural obligations, particularly kaitiakitanga.
Through interviews with approximately 20 Māori leaders, forestry workers and policy influencers, we'll document case studies of significant developments like the "Treelords" settlement and innovative iwi led forestry initiatives. Grounded in mana motuhake and kaitiakitanga, this Auckland University Press publication will propose pathways for equitable management grounded in mātauranga Māori.
Project lead: Professor Carla Houkamau Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, Kāi Tahu The University of Auckland | Waipapa Taumata Rau (Host)
This research project partners Waipapa Taumata Rau (University of Auckland) with Ngā Pou a Tāne (National Māori Forestry Association) to address a critical paradox: while Māori own approximately 48% of commercial forest land and comprise 34% of the workforce, they remain significantly underrepresented in senior leadership roles.
Kairangahau · Researchers
Professor Carla Anne Houkamau
Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland
Carla Houkamau (PhD) is an Professor in the Department of Management and International Business, the Director of the…
Professor Carla Anne Houkamau
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Kairangahau · Researchers
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Professor Carla Anne Houkamau
Professor Carla Anne Houkamau
Carla Houkamau (PhD) is an Professor in the Department of Management and International Business, the Director of the Mira Szászy Research Centre for Māori and Pacific Economic Development and the Associate Dean for Māori and Pacific Development for the Business School.Carla is of Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tahu and Pākehā descent. She holds a deep personal interest in the history of Māori-Pākehā relations and promoting cultural understanding. Her current research focuses mainly on intergroup relations, chiefly how group memberships influence attitudes and behaviour. Her publications…
What current methods do Māori (particularly those on low incomes and/or living in conditions of poverty) use to manage money? What financial products and services are likely to be effective for Māori and how might these be successfully implemented? What support can Māori organisations (including iwi) and the government provide to increase whānau financial…
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Professor Carla Anne Houkamau
Professor Carla Anne Houkamau
Carla Houkamau (PhD) is an Professor in the Department of Management and International Business, the Director of the Mira Szászy Research Centre for Māori and Pacific Economic Development and the Associate Dean for Māori and Pacific Development for the Business School.Carla is of Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tahu and Pākehā descent. She holds a deep personal interest in the history of Māori-Pākehā relations and promoting cultural understanding. Her current research focuses mainly on intergroup relations, chiefly how group memberships influence attitudes and behaviour. Her publications…
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This internship explored concepts of cultural richness through a Māori lens, guided by whanaungatanga, manaakitanga and aroha. Blending personal narrative and research, the project examined how cultural richness and social capital can be meaningfully expressed and embedded within urban environments.
Kairangahau · Researchers
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Professor Carla Anne Houkamau
Professor Carla Anne Houkamau
Carla Houkamau (PhD) is an Professor in the Department of Management and International Business, the Director of the Mira Szászy Research Centre for Māori and Pacific Economic Development and the Associate Dean for Māori and Pacific Development for the Business School.Carla is of Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tahu and Pākehā descent. She holds a deep personal interest in the history of Māori-Pākehā relations and promoting cultural understanding. Her current research focuses mainly on intergroup relations, chiefly how group memberships influence attitudes and behaviour. Her publications…