A Maori financial broker says some insurance assessors are listing Marae as public halls, which drives up the cost of cover for pa.
The firm Iwi Investor helps iwi and hapu with advice and also works with insurers to seek cover that is right for tangata whenua.
Its clients include tribal entities from Ngati Tuwharetoa and Te Arawa.
Chief executive Tina Wilson said Marae sometimes had to pay more because insurance assessors did not understand what tangata whenua value.
She said they did not understand what Marae want and need, and sometimes classed them as a public hall.
Ms Wilson said there need to be more Maori working in the industry.
