Foreword

Carolyn Tremain presents MBIE’s first Long-term Insights Briefing that explores the future of business for Aotearoa New Zealand.

Kia ora koutou,

I am delighted to present MBIE’s first Long-term Insights Briefing that explores the future of business for Aotearoa New Zealand.

In this Briefing, we lift our gaze from the day to day and look ahead to the challenges and opportunities that future decision makers in government, business and communities will need to turn their minds to in the years to come. Our aim is not to provide solutions but to bring together diverse perspectives and prompt thinking on the range of choices we might have to improve our productivity and wellbeing.

The future of business is a big subject, so with the help of a wide range of contributors we decided to explore two very different emerging trends to shed some light on what the future might bring. These are purpose-led business (where businesses balance profit with achieving wider social good), and use of blockchain technology (a new, possibly disruptive technology that not many people understand).

As we explored these trends, we found that many Aotearoa New Zealand businesses are fundamentally rethinking their role in society (their ‘why’) and how they organise themselves in the context of global drivers such as climate change, shifts in technology and demographic change. We heard how Māori businesses lead the way by weaving te ao Māori values into their collective purpose to enhance wellbeing for the long term. And how tech-enabled businesses with purpose is second nature to young people and rangatahi.

Aotearoa New Zealand will need to be prepared to accommodate a growing diversity in business types, ranging from traditional models, right through to more decentralised, networked or participative forms that may not easily fit into current institutional and legal systems. This shift in the nature of business brings with it new opportunities for government, business and communities to work together to meet the great challenges of our times.

I would like to acknowledge and give heartfelt thanks to over 200 people and organisations who gave their time to help us to develop the insights in our Briefing.

Carolyn Tremain

Nāku noa, nā
Carolyn Tremain
Secretary
Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

Tāwhia tō mana kia mau, kia māia

Ka huri taku aro ki te pae kahurangi, kei reira te oranga mōku

Mā mahi tahi, ka ora, ka puāwai

Ā mātau mahi katoa, ka pono, ka tika

Tihei Mauri Ora

 

Retain and hold fast to your mana, be bold, be brave

We turn our attention to the future, that’s where the opportunities lie

By working together we will flourish and achieve greatness

Taking responsibility to commit to doing things right

Tihei Mauri Ora