Latest news with #mātaurangaMāori
The Spinoff
2 days ago
- Business
- The Spinoff
Reclaiming the future: Māori voices leading in the age of AI and quantum tech
As artificial intelligence reshapes our world, Māori technologists and creatives are embedding tikanga and tino rangatiratanga into the digital foundations of Aotearoa. When Te Hiku Media launched its Māori language artificial intelligence (AI) tool last year – capable of transcribing te reo Māori with 92% accuracy – it marked more than a technological milestone. It was a reclamation. In an era when overseas apps routinely mistranslate te reo and karakia, the question isn't just technical: it's cultural. Who should shape the digital future of mātauranga Māori – tech giants, the government, or the people who hold that knowledge as taonga? 'Engaging with global AI is vital to our ongoing economic, social, and cultural wellbeing,' says Jannat Maqbool, executive director of the NZ Artificial Intelligence Researchers Association. She notes the Māori creative and cultural sector contributed $1.6 billion to the economy in 2024, with more than 3,400 Māori businesses – many of which are reimagining elements of te ao Māori through digital tools. But with that innovation comes risk. Quantum computing, a rapidly advancing field now intersecting with AI, poses serious concerns for data sovereignty. As the Maryland Division of Information Technology explains, quantum computers could break RSA encryption – a widely used data security standard – in a fraction of the time it would take traditional computers. Without clear structures, Maqbool warns increased AI adoption could 'exacerbate existing inequities or create new harms'. At the heart of AI is data and how it's gathered, protected and governed. Lawsuits have been filed against major tech companies like Meta and OpenAI for allegedly scraping people's creative work to train their models. In Aotearoa, with more than 100 iwi, each with their own dialects and knowledge systems, Māori data is deeply contextual, relational and important. Kevin Shedlock (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou, Whakatōhea), a computer science lecturer at Victoria University, says this new digital age raises critical questions for Māori and indigenous peoples worldwide – especially around who is 'authenticising' indigenous knowledge. 'AI doesn't understand what respect looks like to us – how it's rooted in ceremonial processes like pōwhiri,' he explains. Shedlock believes learning is open to all but says meaning shifts when knowledge isn't 'underwritten by someone in the community to credentialise it as tika, pono, or truthful.' He adds: 'The idea that data can be owned by an individual is a very Pākehā one. Information about a whānau, hapū or iwi is inherently collective. At any one time, there are many people who hold that knowledge.' Unlike many AI tools trained on scraped internet data, Te Hiku's models are built exclusively from material contributed with full consent. Its archive includes more than 30 years of digitised recordings – around 1,000 hours of te reo Māori speakers – and all data contributors retain ownership. Their bespoke 'kaitiakitanga licence' prohibits the use of these tools for discrimination, surveillance or tracking. Computer-assisted influence is already prevalent in the visual arts. Some carvings at the award-winning Te Rau Karamu marae at Massey University in Wellington were shaped with CNC routering (computer numerical control). Ngataiharuru Taepa (Te Ātiawa, Te Roro o Te Rangi), one of the contributing artists, compares it to the introduction of steel chisels, which 'had implications on the tōhunga who were still using stone chisels'. Digital tools are now prompting similar conversations, especially with AI. It's important to remember te reo doesn't live in isolation. It's bound to tikanga, kawa and pūrākau. If we sever that link, we lose more than just language. Māori-led AI development ensures cultural nuance is not lost – that values like kaitiakitanga and the living presence of ngā atua are embedded within the systems we build. Shedlock supports this view. While he admits personal data leaks may be unavoidable, Shedlock says we have to hold on to 'the atomic habits that we have, kaitiakitanga, being stewards of our environment, tika and pono – being truthful and honest'. Maqbool believes safeguarding Māori data sovereignty requires 'embedding te ao Māori' into AI development itself – and supporting Māori-governed research centres to lead the way. She believes this would ensure indigenous knowledge is not lost as government policy adapts and our digital world is restructured. As AI and quantum technologies accelerate, Māori leaders are clear: it's not just about keeping up – it's about leading. In a world where data builds the foundations of our future, who controls that data will shape the wairua of Aotearoa. 'I think about something I once heard from a Ngāi Tahu rangatira,' says Shedlock. ''We must remember to remember, because that is where our future lies.''
Scoop
19-05-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Landscape Architects Put The Future Of Our ‘Edible Landscapes' On The Menu In Heretaunga Hastings
The 2025 Wānanga of Tuia Pito Ora New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects (NZILA) is putting the future of our 'edible landscapes' on the menu this week on 22-23 May at a time of critical change. The NZILA Firth Wānanga 2025 will be bringing three (3) international speakers and 17 local speakers to the stage at Toitoi - Hawke's Bay Arts & Events Centre in Heretaunga Hastings on Thursday and Friday. International speakers for the conference will be offering a world perspective on the importance of food sovereignty and the problems, challenges, solutions, and opportunities for edible landscapes – horanuku hora kai - in everyday public spaces and in industrial food production. They are: Tim Waterman who is Professor of Landscape Theory and Inter-Programme Collaboration Director with the Bartlett School of Architecture at University College London; Dr Joshua Zeunert who is a Scientia Associate Professor at UNSW in Sydney in the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture; and Nick Rose, Executive Director of Sustain: The Australian Food Network and a lecturer in food studies. Local speakers such as Te Kahautu Maxwell will bring expertise in mātauranga Māori to the table and entrepreneurs such as Morgan Maw (Boring Oat Milk), Cameron Taylor (Taylor Corporation) and Renee Taylor (Salt Aotearoa) will add a business perspective to the story of edible landscapes. Registered landscape architecture professionals from across Aotearoa New Zealand will also be raising thoughts over the two-day event set against the background context of RMA reform discussions and the Government's release of a RM reform blueprint by an Expert Advisory Group in March. Judge Laurie Newhook will conduct a wrap-up session bringing insights together and helping to shape the profession's collective response to emerging challenges. More details about NZILA Firth Wānanga 2025 can be accessed at For an article about our international speakers visit Landscape Architecture Aotearoa Local Speakers include: Monica Bainbridge (Boffa Miskell), To'osavili Nigel Bickle (CE, Hastings District Council - Te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Heretaunga), Shannon Davis (School of Landscape Architecture – Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University), Sarah Flynn (Boffa Miskell), Rachel Hill (WSP), Gary Marshall (Resilio), Morgan Maw (Boring Oat Milk), Te Kahautu Maxwell (University of Waikato/ Lincoln University), Daniel McEwan ( Richard Morris (Lincoln University's Designing Future Productive Landscapes Centre of Excellence), Judge Laurie Newhook, Mel Robinson (Designgroup Stapleton Elliott), Charles Ropitini (Hastings District Council - Te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Heretaunga), Cameron Taylor (Taylor Corporation), Renee Taylor (Salt Aotearoa), Ngahiwi Tomoana (Ngāti Hawea and Ngāti Hori), Peter Wilson (SLR Consulting). Organisers of the event are grateful to assistance from the Hastings District Council. The 2025 Creative Panel responsible for bringing the Wānanga programme to life consists of: Shannon Bray, Lizzie Burn, William Hatton, Joshua Hunt, Ashleigh Hunter and Daniel McEwan. Supporting partners for the event are Firth, Aco, Urban Group, BelAire, Streetscape and Wayfinder; along with further supporters and exhibitors: EasyBigTrees, MHL, Hydro, Advance Landscape Systems, Boundaryline, Horizon International Ltd, Ibex, LMAtimber, MetroGreen, Permeable Concrete NZ and Smart Grass.
NZ Herald
16-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
LT McGuinness wins supreme $10m+ Master Builders commercial project award for Ngā Mokopuna
To achieve that, the new building had to generate all its own energy, use its own water systems, be carbon-neutral and use non-toxic materials, the builders said. Ngā Mokopuna was the key feature of the university's marae redevelopment. 'It replaces five villas on Kelburn Parade that sat in front of Te Tumu Herenga Waka, the first wharenui on university grounds. The project vision sought to draw together mātauranga Māori and sustainability practices,' the builder's website said. A university spokeswoman said the ground floor has the wharekai for the neighbouring marae and an open engagement area for learning, teaching and events. The second floor has student study areas, small-group teaching and seminar spaces, a larger flat-floor teaching space and offices for the Māori student support service and the marae team. The third level has offices for Te Kawa a Māui School of Māori Studies, the Māori deputy vice-chancellor's office and the university's sustainability office. The building's architects were Tennent Brown. In March, the Herald reported Te Kāhui Whaihanga the Institute of Architects awarded the 2024 gold medal to Hugh Tennent and Evan Brown. In other work, LT McGuinness won the $200m+ job to renovate and extend Precinct Properties' Auckland waterfront block. The transformed building is One Queen Te Kaha - the Deloitte Centre and InterContinental Hotel Auckland. The same builder erected Hobsonville Point's new $120m waterfront Catalina Bay apartments. David McGuinness, of the business, showed those off to the Herald last August. He is a member of the family whose company, LT McGuinness, built the luxury blocks. Mark McGuinness is also a family member and he spearheaded Willis Bond which developed many new award-winning Wynyard Quarter apartment blocks. LT McGuinness is family-owned and has been running for around 70 years. It is now in its third generation, with a construction workforce, which the Herald said last year was around 350. BCI last year named it New Zealand's third busiest builder based on the value of work begun in 2023: 28 projects worth $546m. LT McGuinness and Willis Bond featured in the Herald last decade as an 'invasion of the Wellingtonians', building so many significant new Auckland projects. Mark McGuinness said LT McGuinness was established by his father, Laurie, who died in 1974. In 2019, Mark cited older brothers Peter, Brian and Jim as being closely involved. Peter died in 2023. Mark McGuinness said then there were also 'eight nephews but it's not just the family. There are some very able non-McGuinnesses there too. The model we have here is an example of how the sector should work.' He was referring to the lack of acrimony between developer and builder because they were all the one family. In a second Master Builders award announced today, Breen Construction won the supreme under $10m prize for the Scapegrace Distillery in Central Otago. That was built using laminated timber and is powered by electric boilers. 'A strong commitment to sustainability is evident through the structure's large overhanging eaves and natural ventilation,' Master Builders said. The judges praised the business for building to a high standard in difficult weather conditions and under budgetary constraints. 'This project deserves recognition not only for its architectural features and sustainability but also for the collaborative and quality work of the construction team. It is rightly worthy of the supreme award under $10 million,' they said.
Scoop
10-05-2025
- Science
- Scoop
First Marae Based Fresh Water Testing Science Lab Grand Opening 16-17 May 2025
Press Release – Te Runanga o Ngati Hinemanu The lab will amalgamate the best of both mtauranga Mori and western scientific methodologies in order to protect wai Mori (freshwater) and build the capacity and capability of iwi freshwater practitioners, or Kaitiaki Rangers, of all … Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Hinemanu me Ngāti Paki is excited to announce the opening of our Freshwater Science Laboratory at Winiata Marae, SH1 8197, Taihape. This freshwater science laboratory is the first in the world to be based on a marae. Made possible through our partnership with the University of Auckland, New Zealand, the lab will amalgamate the best of both mātauranga Māori and western scientific methodologies in order to protect wai Māori (freshwater) and build the capacity and capability of iwi freshwater practitioners, or 'Kaitiaki Rangers', of all ages. Our team of experts will utilise the facilities to: educate and train others; test and then provide information; to provide a platform for socialisation of iwi, hapū and community knowledge; to support the ongoing monitoring and freshwater management strategies of our hapū, iwi and community into the future; in our quest for pristine water quality within our rohe and best practise management strategies of wai Māori. The following main disciplines will be available immediately after the opening, but we envision the list will expand with time. Content Sourced from Original url
Scoop
10-05-2025
- Science
- Scoop
First Marae Based Fresh Water Testing Science Lab Grand Opening 16-17 May 2025
Press Release – Te Runanga o Ngati Hinemanu The lab will amalgamate the best of both mtauranga Mori and western scientific methodologies in order to protect wai Mori (freshwater) and build the capacity and capability of iwi freshwater practitioners, or Kaitiaki Rangers, of all … Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Hinemanu me Ngāti Paki is excited to announce the opening of our Freshwater Science Laboratory at Winiata Marae, SH1 8197, Taihape. This freshwater science laboratory is the first in the world to be based on a marae. Made possible through our partnership with the University of Auckland, New Zealand, the lab will amalgamate the best of both mātauranga Māori and western scientific methodologies in order to protect wai Māori (freshwater) and build the capacity and capability of iwi freshwater practitioners, or 'Kaitiaki Rangers', of all ages. Our team of experts will utilise the facilities to: educate and train others; test and then provide information; to provide a platform for socialisation of iwi, hapū and community knowledge; to support the ongoing monitoring and freshwater management strategies of our hapū, iwi and community into the future; in our quest for pristine water quality within our rohe and best practise management strategies of wai Māori. The following main disciplines will be available immediately after the opening, but we envision the list will expand with time. Content Sourced from Original url
