Our Truth, Tā Mātou Pono is a Stuff project investigating the history of racism. Part one has focused on Stuff and its newspapers, and how we have portrayed Māori. Business reporter Anuja Nadkarni analysed how we have reported on the Māori economy.
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Economist and researcher Matt Roskruge said the media has been quick to write about the failures of Māori.
A lack of relationship and understanding between the mainstream media and Māori business structures has meant journalists have felt more confident reporting on issues that have been through the courts, Roskruge said.
Iwi also faced greater scrutiny because of the perception they were getting “handouts” from Crown settlements, he said.
“Farmers rely heavily on infrastructure subsidisation, yet Māori funding structures are seen as handouts.
“The Waitangi Tribunal has done a lot of good but has also perpetuated some opinions around any subsidisation, which is a shame.”