Initially this research project set out to create an economic base for my hapu located in one of the highest unemployment regions of the country. It was not always that way. From the early to mid-1800's it was highly productive in exporting pork, milled flour, flax, and vegetables to Australia and to some of the South Pacific Islands. Colonialism brought religion and land alienation changing the situation for the worst. Wānanga were held to determine the viability of creating whanau, hapu or marae based small business units. The idea was shelved as the main demographic group was the elderly pensioners. After participating at a hui, wānanga, the Māori Land Court hearings and the Iwi Leader's Forum, the decision was then made to focus research in support of the Māori corporations who were becoming successful in trading with China.