Cultural Bastions, Farm Optimisation and Tribal Agriculture in Aotearoa (New Zealand)

This paper outlines the influence of cultural factors (including tradition knowledge systems) on tribal agricultural organisations in Aotearoa-New Zealand (NZ); and then presents a conceptual framework that integrates several existing models and tools designed specifically for Māori farmer collectives. Traditional knowledge systems have a pervasive influence on NZs Māori agribusiness sector. However, they often go unrecognised; concealed beneath a land tenure system and legislative framework that is restrictive, cumbersome and has been responsible for widespread land loss since its introduction almost 150 years ago. In spite of these constraints, Māori agriculture in NZ is vibrant, diverse and has several unique characteristics that indicate the emergence of resilient farming system structures. The cultural construct of genealogical affiliation (whakapapa) and two associated principles of inter tribal/clan relationships (whanaungatanga) and inter generational environmental guardianship (kaitiakitanga) are outlined in the paper. These constructs underpin two developing trends in the Māori sector: the aggregation of smaller land titles into larger farming units, and the formation of multiple farm units into farming collectives. The advantages of scale efficiencies, enterprise diversification and greater capacity to capture value chain opportunities beyond the farm gate are evident. However, the tools available to the decision-makers within collectives are limited. The final section in the paper outlines the development of a modelling framework (Whenua) that includes multiple farm and value chain optimisation functions designed specifically for Māori collectives to explore viable future development and investment scenarios