It is widely acknowledged that the development of the Māori economy is fundamental to achieving region-wide growth in the Bay of Plenty region. This is due to the large (up to 1/3rd) proportion of the Māori asset base (mostly under-utilised land) in the region and the significant participation of Māori in key land-based industries such as forestry, dairy, sheep and cattle farming, horticulture and aquaculture.

There are several operators and supporters in the Whenua Māori development arena, Toi Kai Rawa sees a rising interest by Māori land owners to build and activate their collective potential.