New research shows the value of assets held by Maori has more than doubled since 2006.
The figures were released at the Maori Economic Taskforce meeting in Auckland.
The study by Business and Economic Research Ltd (BERL) says Maori hold a significant asset base worth $36.9 billion, compared to $16.5 billion five years ago.
The asset base includes Maori trusts and incorporations, self-employed Maori and Maori employers.
The research shows the historical concentration of Maori in agriculture, forestry and fishing is changing, and the assets are beginning to spread across the whole economy.
Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples says the Maori economy is a sleeping giant which has begun to waken. But he says Maori should not rest.
Dr Sharples says knowledge is not flowing between the science community and the Maori economy - and that needs to change.
