A new study led by Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland researchers is examining Māori attitudes toward capitalism and business regulation.

The research, based on data from the 2020 Māori Identity and Financial Attitudes Study, found views varied significantly depending on cultural identity, employment type and other social factors.

Lead author Professor Carla Houkamau, (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāi Tahu and Pākehā) said the findings challenged assumptions of a single Indigenous economic outlook.

"Cultural confidence strengthens critical perspectives on capitalist systems, indicating that Māori who deemed their iwi as important to their identity, or who had the resources to appropriately engage with Māori culture, reported greater opposition to capitalism than Māori who did not," Ms Houkamau said.

The study analysed responses from 3,241 people and assessed how iwi importance, confidence in cultural knowledge and practices, and employment type influenced views on capitalism and government regulation of business.

Participants were asked how important their iwi were to how they saw themselves and ranked that from one to seven.

Opposition to capitalism was measured using the statement, "capitalism has generally had a negative impact on the way that we live", also ranked from one to seven.

Employment type emerged as a strong predictor of economic attitudes.

Māori employees showed stronger opposition to capitalism and greater support for government regulation than solo self-employed workers or business owners with staff.

The researchers said this may reflect the autonomy and market involvement that can come with self-employment and business ownership.

Māori who placed greater importance on iwi in their identity were more likely to oppose capitalism and support stronger government regulation.

Higher confidence in cultural knowledge and practices was also linked to more critical views of capitalism.

The study also found women were more opposed to capitalism and more supportive of government regulation than men.

Younger Māori were more likely than older age groups to oppose capitalism and support regulation.

Lower-income Māori were also more likely to hold critical views of capitalism and favour stronger regulation than those on higher incomes.

Political conservatives were more positive toward capitalism than liberals and less supportive of government regulation.

Māori with sole Māori ethnic affiliations were also more likely to oppose capitalism and support regulation than Māori with multiple ethnic affiliations.

Co-author Professor Jason Mika, (Tūhoe, Ngāti Awa, Whakatōhea and Ngāti Kahungunu), notes findings aligned with the "economy of mana (spirit)" framework.

He said the research could help explain who felt served by the current system and who did not.

"Our study helps to understand who's feeling disenchanted or well-served by the way Aotearoa is doing capitalism," Mr Mika said.

"This can help to inform policy on how capitalism can better serve people and the planet."