Template-Type: ReDIF-Paper 1.0
Author-Name: Isabelle Sin
Author-X-Name-First: Isabelle
Author-X-Name-Last: Sin
Author-Email: izi.sin@motu.org.nz
Author-Workplace-Name: Motu Economic and Public Policy Research
Author-Name: Isabelle Sin
Author-X-Name-First: Shannon
Author-X-Name-Last: Minehan
Author-Email: shannon.minehan@motu.org.nz
Author-Workplace-Name: Motu Economic and Public Policy Research
Title: Building on strengths: Educational pathways that benefit Maori students
Abstract: This paper is an economic analysis of pathways through education leading to strong outcomes for Maori students, and how these differ by gender and for students with different interests and aptitudes (‘specialties’) in high school. The authors focus on labour market outcomes and also consider some non-labour market outcomes. 
This paper will help inform policy development and career advice to both school-aged Maori students and older Maori people considering returning to education.
Key findings in the research:
•	Level 2 NCEA certificate subjects do not define careers. 
•	Women gain more education, but men save more money.
•	Bachelor’s degrees benefit women more than men.
•	Vocational training yields strong outcomes for men and sometimes for women.
•	Some popular fields of tertiary study for Maori yield little financial benefit.
•	Not all STEM study leads to strong job prospects, but higher study in some fields is financially beneficial.
•	Connection to Maori culture is valuable.
•	Educational pathways to desirable outcomes for Maori may change in the future.
Length: 96 pages
Creation-Date: 2024-07
File-URL: https://motu-www.motu.org.nz/wpapers/23_01.pdf
Number: 23_01
Classification-JEL: I20, I21, I23, I26, J15, J16
Keywords: Maori; education; school; tertiary education; vocational training; qualifications; returns to education; New Zealand
Handle: RePEc:mtu:wpaper:23_01