The Maori Trustee is examining opportunities for whenua owners to make their land more profitable.
The body manages or administers 105,000 hectares of Maori freehold land.
Jamie Tuuta, who was recently appointed as Maori Trustee, says there are parcels of land which could be more profitable.
Mr Tuuta is examining opportunities for whenua owners to take a more active role, and not just be what he calls a passive leaser.
Swapping squash for cows is being offered as one example of how Maori can make more money off their own land.
Mr Tuuta says whenua owners may be growing maize, squash or melons, but fields could more profitable if used for dairy farming.
