Māori in horticulture

While currently forming only a small part of Te Ōhanga Māori and Māori land use more broadly, horticulture is a growing component that continues to trend upwards in terms of both Māori ownership of horticultural land and its economic contribution. Commissioned by Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ), this research estimates the size, share, and growth of Māori participation in the horticulture industry, updating previously completed research from 2020.

Kate Scott, Chief Executive of HortNZ, notes that “One of the key priorities in the Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan is increasing Māori-owned land in high-value horticulture, so it is heartening to see the data trending in this direction.”

Māori are estimated to own around seven percent of horticultural land in Aotearoa New Zealand, with this land generating approximately $305 million in gross output in 2024. Māori ownership of kiwifruit land was the main driver of this economic activity. The horticulture industry itself also serves as an important employer of Māori, with nearly 4,000 Māori workers employed across the industry.

However, the report also calls for more accurate and timely data on Māori participation in horticulture in order to better inform decision makers about a growing and valuable area.

See here for HortNZ’s media release.

The full report is also available here.