Maori pakeha differentials in incomes and hours worked: a study of sample data for selected occupations

Abstract

Studies which compare Maori and non-Maori incomes have used either aggregate census data or a non-representative sample. This study uses 8 very restrictive samples drawn for the 4 occupations which employ the most Maori then and the 4 which employ the most Maori women. It is found that there are significant differences in the hours worked by the Maoris and pakehas in the samples. When hours worked plus age and location are controlled for there are no significant earnings differences for 7 of the 8 occupations. The results suggest that policies to improve Maori earnings must continue to be directed at the factors which affect occupational choice and job assignment.