Whakapapa Economics Impact Modelling
How Māori relational and intergenerational value can be made visible, evidenced and counted in social impact modelling.
By Jay Whitehead · Version 1.0 · final reviewed version · open access
Whakapapa Economics Impact Modelling
Plain-language summary
This method paper explains how Whakapapa Economics can be used to make relational and intergenerational value visible in impact modelling. It shows how Māori concepts can guide the value boundary while observable pathways provide the basis for evidence and valuation.
What the paper argues
- Value can move through people, whānau, institutions, te taiao and future generations.
- Existing impact methods can undercount Māori and relational value when they stop at direct, short-term and easily monetised outcomes.
- Māori concepts should not be priced directly.
- Observable pathways can be described, evidenced and, where appropriate, valued.
- The method is wider in boundary but still disciplined in evidence, attribution, uncertainty and double-counting controls.
Read or download
The method paper is open access. There is no paywall and no sign-up. It is shared under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International licence .
Suggested citation
Cite Version 1.0 using the reference below.
Whitehead, J. (2026). Whakapapa economics impact modelling (Version 1.0; Whakapapa Economics, Vol. 1). Matatihi. https://whakapapaeconomics.nz/method-paper/
Author identifier: ORCID 0000-0003-3838-1382
Version and access
Version 1.0 is the final reviewed public report. It is free to read, download and share without an email address or payment.
- Volume 01
- Version 1.0, final reviewed version
- Open-access PDF
- No paywall and no sign-up
- Licence: CC BY-NC 4.0