Hui Taumata project aims to build long-term, Maori economic development

Hui Taumata, a three-day meeting in Wellington next month followed by six months of research, will look at frameworks and strategies to accelerate Maori economic development over the next 20 years.

The last time such an event was held was in 1984.

Three themes - developing people, developing assets, and developing enterprise - form the basis for the research and discussion. A focus on education is an important part of the work.

A Ministry of Education paper prepared for the hui says that Maori educational achievement is improving significantly:

• The last four years have seen a significant turn around in Maori participation in tertiary education. Maori were under-represented at all levels in tertiary education until 1999. Since 2002, Maori have moved to having the highest participation rate of any ethnic group in New Zealand.
• In each year since 1992, enrolments at public tertiary institutions by Maori have grown faster than all enrolments.
• The Maori participation rate at degree level still lags behind the rate for all students, although the gap is starting to close. In 2003, the Maori participation rate at degree level was 3.2 percent, compared with 4.1 percent for all students.
• Maori students at certificate level are achieving qualifications and moving to further study at higher rates than non-Maori. While there has been growth in Maori participation at degree level and above, the growth has been much slower.
• While the statistics show Maori are still not engaging in postgraduate study to the same extent as the whole population, Maori enrolments in postgraduate qualifications have grown faster than for the whole population. The Maori participation rate in 1998 was 0.04 percent, compared with 0.09 percent for all students.
• There has been continued growth in the number of Maori participating in industry training, including Modern Apprenticeships.

The figures back up a November Department of Labour survey featured in Subtext that showed improving educational outcomes for Maori.

Resources

The Hui Taumata website.

The Ministry of Education paper.

The Subtext story on the Department of Labour survey.

A Subtext story arguing that the student loan scheme has been a boon for Maori.

An Education Forum article on student loans being a boon to Maori.