Reality, Equality, Equity
and Justice

Big Question

If Māori have been given extra support, is that unfair to everyone else?

You have 30 seconds to choose a position:

AGREE | NOT SURE | DISAGREE

• Why might someone think this is unfair?

• What does fair actually mean?

• Does fair always mean everyone gets the same thing?

What does fair mean?

In this second image above:

1. Is everyone being treated equally? 

2. Can everyone in this image see Aoraki out the window?

In this third image above:

1. Is everyone being treated equally? 

2. Can everyone in this image see Aoraki out the window?

Reality = recognising that people may begin with different circumstances, opportunities and barriers. 

Equality = giving everyone the same.

Equity = giving people what they need to have a fair opportunity.

What this has to do with Māori business...

As we read earlier, Māori developed sophisticated economies and trading relationships before colonisation. After colonisation, Māori experienced significant loss of land and resources. Large areas of land were confiscated, other land was sold under pressure, and restrictions were placed on how Māori could use some of the land and resources they retained. These changes reduced economic opportunities for many Māori communities.