Why Have Maori Relative Income Levels Deteriorated Over Time?

Abstract

In 1986 two thirds of the Maori population had left secondary school by age 16 without school qualifications. A decade later, while educational attainment of the New Zealand population had increased significantly, over 60 per cent of the Maori population remained without qualifications. This paper provides comprehensive evidence on how income returns to postcompulsory and higher education have contributed to a widened income gap over the decade following the economic reforms. Utilising individual‐level Census data for 1986 and 1996, stability tests and decompositions, it establishes the significance of educational attainment as a strategy for reducing disparity. An important feature of the study is the distinction between full and part‐Maori.

Maori Identification, Alcohol Behaviour and Mental Health: A Review

“…This disparity leads to difficulties defining which aspects of alcohol behaviour are related to culture, and which are related to socio-economic position. Maani (2004) found the income gap within ethnic groups was much greater than the income gap across ethnic groups, when controlling for educational attainment. Baxter (1998) asserts that it is easy to mistake socio-economic differences with cultural factors and vice versa.…”

“…Rural life however, does not offer the same economic, educational or employment opportunities found in urban areas. Maani (2004) found income was significantly associated with locality, with Maori living in rural areas having lower income levels than all other ethnic groups. However, urban lifestyles can bring added pressure and financial strain (Clarke and Jensen 1997), and the lack of whanau living nearby to offer support and assistance may contribute to these stressors.…”

“…Many Maori face socio-economic deprivation, which correlates with hazardous drinking patterns (Howden-Chapman and Tobias 2000). In general, Maori are also less likely to have formal qualifications, to be in skilled employment, or to earn as much as non-Maori (Maani 2004). Compounding the situation, alcohol and drug use suspensions are higher in schools with a concentration of Maori and in lower socioeconomic areas (Moewaka Barnes 2001).…”

“…It is commonly assumed that a good education will lead to a skilled occupation and higher income, whilst decreasing the likelihood of being unemployed (Maani 2004). Many Maori face socio-economic deprivation, which correlates with hazardous drinking patterns (Howden-Chapman and Tobias 2000).…”

Building political competencies for the transformation of racism in Aotearoa

“…This has been verified in the realms of housing (see Housing New Zealand 2007;Robson & Harris 2007), employment (see Alexander et al 2003;Sutherland & Alexander 2002), income levels (see Maani 2004;St John & Wynd 2008), access to goods and services (see Howell & Hackwell 2003;Van Ryn & Burke 2000), within the justice system (see Fergusson et al 2003a, b) and within the education system (see Reid 2006;Te Puni Kokiri 2001). These inequities in access to essential services are a product of current practice.…”