Te Pae Tawhiti (“the distant horizon”) is one of NPM’s most significant research programmes. This economic development research programme follows the start of Te Pae Tawhiti: Te Reo Māori in 2010, a three-year research initiative exploring the value of Māori language on New Zealand economy, culture and society.

Over the next three years, Te Pae Tawhiti: Māori Economic Development aims to establish a Māori economic development framework using collaboration, investigation and engagement as a catalyst for change and economic growth. Informed by Mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) the programme seeks to support the wellbeing of future generations, and the environment, of Aotearoa. It is expected that the research outputs will also inform policy development.

Researchers from NPM will collaborate with Whakatane-based Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi, the lead partner in the programme. The Wānanga’s Chief Executive Officer, Distinguished Professor Graham Smith, says the collaboration brings a range of strengths to the programme.