Particular forms of Māori economic activity in the arts, business and education are celebrated, especially those using aspects of Māori culture for branding. This is the only positive theme about Māori; however, it still ties in with other negative themes.

• A new "cybertribe" of Maori artists is harnessing the web to take paintings, sculpture, mixed media, weaving and glassworks to the world art market.” New Zealand Herald, Business page 12, September 10, 2004.
• “Seven marae in the Feilding and Halcombe area are banding together to jointly develop their resources and open future business opportunities.” Manawatu Standard, page 4, February 7, 2007.
• “Papatoetoe business testing the waters in the global economy” Manukau Courier profiles a florist whose flax weaving gained a Canadian order, December 4, 2007.

• Māori success is rare but can occur.
• Success is defined in Pākehā terms.
• Māori can be successful when they align to Pākehā structures and values.
• Māori success is positive as long as it doesn’t threaten Pākehā wealth or power.

• Divides Māori from one another.
• Māori have to be super-stars, amazing and outstanding to be successful.
• Supports the good Māori/bad Māori theme that good Māori just try harder.
• Reinforces that everyone has equal opportunities.
• Limits Māori success to pre-determined areas.

• Māori are often successful in spite of stereotypes and racism.
• What defines Māori success?  How do Māori themselves understand success?
• Kahore te kumara e korero mo tona reka – The kumara does not say how sweet it is; self-promotion is discouraged.