Maori development is framed by the terms of the Treaty of Waitangi reconciliation process. It is the process where there is a transfer of resources, ostensibly to settle the historical wrongdoing of colonial governments, but also to improve the resource base of Maori and thus strengthen their capacity to participate in the economy. The task is premised on the notion that Maori had rights that were in existence prior to the arrival of the British. Those rights were not respected by the Crown after the Treaty was signed. The task now is to give economic force to those rights through the transfer of resources, and greater recognition of the importance of Maori language and culture.

Separate political development is not on the political agenda. While there is support for the settlement of historical grievances, and an economic transfer of resources is countenanced, the purpose is to integrate Maori further into the mainstream of the economy. The sentiments of nationalism are given expression through language and culture rather than through the creation of institutions of self-government. The desired result appears to be economic prowess and cultural cohesiveness. Political development is mediated through a set of regular parliamentary elections where Maori are integrated into mainstream political parties.

Culture and language is being restored after long periods of neglect. Social change has altered the character of Maori identity and now poses questions that are more akin to those of inner urban areas in the United Kingdom or the United States, than those associated with traditional societies reeling from the impact of outside culture. This impact has taken place as Maori have declined to a low status in their own country. The recovery of status is emerging through the settling of historical claims—a process that requires considerable political skill and a capacity to compromise.

The agenda for development debates within Maori society is rooted in the political process. It rests uneasily on assumptions about the effectiveness of market-led economic reforms as a basis for improving the position of Maori in the labour market, tribal enterprise development and the distribution of resources within Maori society. Discussions on how to address welfare dependency echo with voices and ideas that come directly from the United States. At the same time the relentless push for Maori identity through the promotion of the Treaty of Waitangi, indigenous culture (at a time when MTV and CNN beam into virtually every house), and language retention, reflect a need for adaptation in the models for economic development, to capture the full range of Maori ambitions.