The Use Of Te Reo Māori In Economic Activities In The 19th Century

Abstract

Although commerce is often considered to be a primarily Western activity, Mäori were, and are, just as engaged in it as anyone else and are internationally recognised today for their business entrepreneurship. Trade and exchange was a common feature in the early history of Mäori, both before and after Päkehä contact, as it was one of the main reasons for interaction. The language used in these interactions offers an insight into Mäori commercial and economic adaptability and provides a template for how te reo Mäori can further develop to support a Kaupapa Mäori way of conducting business. This article considers the significance of the Mäori language of economics by giving a brief insight into the use of te reo Mäori in 19th-century economic activity.