The frequently repeated claim that Maori contribute significantly to the New Zealand economy is not supported by facts.

Treaty settlements are not taxed. Tribal corporations operate as charities so are exempt from tax although GST is levied on business activities. Maori authority distributions are taxed at the default rate of 17.5 percent rather than the normal dividend rate of 33 percent

Maori households contributed $2.4-billion in tax in 2003 but received $2.3-billion in benefits in that year, according to New Zealand Institute for Economic Research Maori Economic Development, Te Ohanga Whanaketanga Māori.

With most of the Maori tax contribution returned to Maori as welfare there is little left to contribute to hospitals, police, schools, roads etc.