Social enterprise in New Zealand: An overview

This paper contributes to the first part of the International Comparative Social Enterprise Models (ICSEM) project, and provides an overview of the small, complex, and to some extent disjointed, environment within which a... [ view full abstract ]

This paper contributes to the first part of the International Comparative Social Enterprise Models (ICSEM) project, and provides an overview of the small, complex, and to some extent disjointed, environment within which a diverse range of social enterprise (SE) activity occurs in New Zealand. A key theme throughout this research is the confirmation that New Zealand does not necessarily have a set of established models of social enterprise. Rather, diverse activity is taking place across a broad range of areas, but within each area common influences and/or characteristics may be noticeable.

The overview is structured into two sections. The first section provides important contextual background, considering social, cultural, political and economic influences which have, and continue to do so, the social enterprise arena in New Zealand. In particular consideration is given to the neoliberal influences which have shaped New Zealand since the 1980s (Grant, 2008; Jennings, 2014). The significance of Maori and their cultural influence in shaping New Zealand society are also introduced (Dey & Grant, 2014; Grant, 2008; Kaplan, 2013). A brief overview of public authority (local and state government) interest and involvement is considered before specific consideration is given to enablers and barrier to SE. While some influences may be similar to those experienced in other nations, the influence of the 2010 and 2011 Christchurch earthquakes is identified as a unique situation; being both an enabler and barrier to social enterprise development (Kaplan, 2013; Lewis, 2013; Vallance, 2013).

Section two presents my initial attempt to conceptualise SE in New Zealand. Recognising diversity in activity orientation (e.g. not for profit or business), as well as the drive to maintain tradition and customs compared to being innovative, a framework is used to demonstrate a ‘snapshot’ of the current status. Some organisations within some of the categories identified aspire to move further along the continuum(s), hence their placement within the framework is recognised as a starting point rather than a static destination.
This overview of social enterprise in New Zealand highlights a wealth of activity yet to be afforded mainstream recognition and support. Amid limited formal support and recognition of SE by government a diverse range of SE activity has developed across multiple dimensions. It would be premature to conceptualise these actions into formal models, hence this overview has identified key themes around which emerging social enterprises might be grouped. A key challenge facing SE in New Zealand is how to enable each grouping to develop and remain true to its mission, as each category serves a different part of the New Zealand community. Such diversity in SE must be embraced and encouraged, rather than be required to narrow down and fit a prescribed definition; as plurality in approach provides multiple opportunities to deliver value to society and promote positive change.

References
Dey, K., & Grant, S. (2014). Maori communities as social enterprise. In H. Douglas & S. Grant (Eds.), Social entrepreneurship and enterprise: Concepts in context. Melbourne, Australia: Tilde University Press.

Grant, S. (2008). Contextualising social enterprise in New Zealand. Social Enterprise Journal, 4(1), 9-23.

Jennings, D. (2014). Community economic development: Understanding the New Zealand context: New Zealand Community Economic Development Trust.

Kaplan, M. J. (2013). Growing the next generation of social entrepreneurs and starts ups in New Zealand. Wellington, New Zealand: Fullbright New Zealand.

Lewis, K. (2013). The value of symbolic capital in the context of social entrepreneurship. Paper presented at the Social innovation & entrepreneurship conference: Blurring boundaries, transcending barriers, Massey University, Albany Campus, Auckland New Zealand.

Vallance, S. (2013). The artist, the academic, the hooker and the priest: Exploring the notion of partnership in the recovery of post-quake Canterbury. Paper presented at the New Zealand social innovation and entrepreneurship conference: Blurring boundaries, transending barriers, Massey University Albany Campus, Auckland, New Zealand.