He whenua tipu

Abstract

The incoming Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is causing vast technological innovations, from exponential increases in computing power and data, to closing the gap between physical, digital and biological worlds. These innovations are impacting all people, cultures and economies, and even going so far as to challenge the essence of what it means to be human. He Whenua Tipu – Transforming Māori Agribusiness in the 4IR explored how Māori Agriculture businesses navigate, thrive and survive in this new era. This project is a partnership project between Opepe Farm Trust and Massey University, through which relationships have been established with three other trusts that are associated with Opepe Farm Trust (ā whakapapa, ā whenua hoki) including Tauhara Middle 15, Tauhara Middle Lands and Tauhara Moana Trusts. The project drew on literature and case study data to explore the dimensions of the 4IR and how they are perceived, understood and utilised in various Mäori agribusiness models. From this exploration, we focused on the elements that are altering or are catalysing narratives on business identity, resilience and sustainability for Mäori enterprises in this sector.