Chiefs of Industry: Maori Tribal Enterprise in Early Colonial New Zealand

by Hazel Petrie

Drawing on a wide range of sources in both English and Maori, this study explores the entrepreneurial activity of New Zealand’s indigenous Maori in the early colonial period. Focusing on the two industries—coastal shipping and flourmilling—where Maori were spectacularly successful in the 1840s and 1850s, this title examines how such a society was able to develop capital-intensive investments and harness tribal ownership quickly and effectively to render commercial advantages. A discussion of the sudden decline in the “golden age” of Maori enterprise—from changing market conditions, to land alienation—is also included.

Genres: History

320 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2007

Reviews

[Will Loe · Rating 4 out of 5]

picked this up following a reference in not in narrow seas, and am very glad i did. very interesting work on something I knew very little about, namely the development of the Māori economy in the mid 1800s, which was focussed on milling wheat and coastal shipping. interesting stuff about the way that Māori culture adapted to the imposition of capitalism, and how the role of rangatira was changed because of it. also liked learning about how tapu was adapted when it became inconvenient or was being ignored by pakeha who the iwi needed.

I think it could have benefitted by a little bit more discussion of the links and differences to the pakeha economy, for example in easton's book he talks a lot about how wool was the great driver of pakeha prosperity during this period (and well into the 20thC), and my assumption is that this was at least partially enabled by Māori providing flour and other foodstuffs.

[Bailey Masters · Rating 3 out of 5]

Important history detailing the "golden age" of the Māori economic boom. Ships, flour mills and flax galore! Interesting (though unsurprising) comments on the tension between and evolution of old and new practices and ideologies. The subject matter is a bit tedious at times and I wouldn't have gone out of my way to read this if not for work. But it's nonetheless an important record of the past detailing yet another facet of indigenous agency and economic capability in a fast changing world.

[Larissa Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative

This book covers a subject often ignored by writers & historians. It's easy to read & understand. I would of liked a physical copy of the book but it was only available on kindle.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read, very informative on the early economy of New Zealand and the powers that influenced Maori and Pākehā economic interactions.