5 Aug 2015

Taking stock of Auckland's Maori economy

11:35 am on 5 August 2015

Maori economic activity accounts for up to 5 percent of Auckland's economy, a new study has found.

The Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) study said that was smaller than expected, given 10 percent of the city's population are Maori.

The report found more than 13,000 Maori aged between 15 and 19 are not in education, employment or training.

It said that if Maori employment rates were raised to the same level as those of Pakeha, it would increase by 19 percent, or 12,000 people. Personal incomes would rise by 16 percent to $1 billion a year.

The study also found the Maori economy in Auckland holds more than half the national Maori asset base.

But while Auckland Maori have an asset base of $23 billion, the report said many Maori were individually struggling.

The median personal income of $24,000 a year is nearly 20 percent less than that of other Aucklanders. On average, Maori living in Auckland earn $100 less each week than other Aucklanders.

Almost half live in either South Auckland's Manurewa, Otara and Mangere or out west in Henderson or Massey.

The Independent Maori Statutory Board commissioned the NZIER report to get a clear picture of what's going on within Auckland.

Auckland Council and corporate and central government agency heads will meet today to discuss the findings of the report.