The National Party have won the New Zealand election for 2023. This historically means many of the government budgets are cut, mostly in the areas of social services and benefit cuts including the introduction of automatic "no" replies via the Work and Income system. Anyone who has ever worked within or around the department can attest to this. Of course I am in no way saying that all Maori are on benefits or even receive social services. However, we all know someone who does need help now and again.
And so, how can Maori once again be resilient and adaptable under a National government to increase their stronghold and assets over the next four years and also become more independent of government swings and round abouts?
Economic Development:
Business Development: Encourage entrepreneurship and the establishment of Maori-owned businesses. This can create jobs and generate income for the community.
Investment: Explore investment opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, and technology. Diversify investments to reduce dependence on a single sector.
Trade Skills: Invest in vocational and trade skill development to increase employability within the broader job market.
Education and Training:
Educational Attainment: Encourage higher education and skill development within the community to increase employability and income potential.
Cultural Preservation: Promote education that preserves and celebrates Maori culture, languages, and traditions. This can lead to cultural tourism opportunities.
Community Initiatives:
Community Organisations: Strengthen existing community organisations and create new ones to address social and economic challenges within the community.
Social Services: Develop community-based social services and support systems to provide assistance to those in need, reducing the reliance on government services.
Land and Resource Management:
Land Ownership: Preserve and protect Maori land, and consider sustainable land use practices to generate income through agriculture or tourism.
Resource Management: Explore sustainable management of natural resources, such as forestry or fisheries, to create revenue streams.
Health and Wellbeing:
Promote Healthy Lifestyles: Encourage healthy living within the community to reduce the reliance on healthcare services. Also consult with rongoa practitioners with years and experience and proven track records.
Community Health Centers: Establish community-based health centers and services to address the healthcare needs of the community.
Collaboration:
Network and Partnerships: Collaborate with other indigenous and local communities, organisations, and institutions to access funding, share knowledge, and create opportunities.
Advocacy: Engage in advocacy at both the local and national levels to voice concerns, seek support, and influence policies that affect the Maori community.
Savings and Financial Planning:
Financial Literacy: Promote financial literacy and savings programs within the community to help individuals and families manage their finances effectively.
Rainy Day Fund: Encourage families and individuals to create savings or emergency funds to cushion the impact of benefit cuts.
Cultural Tourism:
Promote Tourism: Leverage the richness of Maori culture and heritage to attract tourists. Cultural tourism can be a significant source of income.
Political Engagement:
Active Participation: Encourage active participation in local and national politics to influence policies and decisions that impact the Maori community.
Innovation and Technology:
Digital Literacy: Invest in digital literacy and technology training to prepare individuals for jobs in the digital economy.
Innovation Hub: Establish an innovation hub to encourage startups and technological advancements within the community.
Remember that adaptation takes time and concerted effort. Building a more independent and self-sufficient community requires unity, vision, and a commitment to long-term goals. Collaborate, learn from other successful examples, and continuously evaluate and adjust your strategies as needed to adapt to changing circumstances.