Reviews of Māori land generally focus on how the 80% identified as “under-performing” or “under-utilised” can be more productive. This article analyses the 20% of Māori Land Incorporations and Trusts classified as “high-performing” to identify what enabled their success, but to also determine any remaining constraints. It uses thematic analysis to both refine themes initially obtained during a literature review and examine the interviews. The five key themes explored are legal framework (whakaritenga), finance (huamoni), capability (matatau), relationships (whakawhānaungatanga), and paths to market (whakatairanga). While many of the findings corroborate industry best practice, it also found provisional evidence of the role of whakapapa networks—that is, formal or informal Māori collectives—in the success of Māori Land Incorporations and Trusts.
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