Māori Data Sovereignty
Māori Data Sovereignty refers to the inherent rights and interests that Māori have in relation to the collection, ownership, and application of Māori data.
Across this project the following principles will guide the collection, interpretation, use and storage of all Māori data.
Māori have an inherent right to data that is relevant and empowers sustainable self-determination and effective self-governance. They also have the right to exercise authority over how their data is collected and managed. This includes control over its creation as well as how it is acessed, analysed, interpreted, managed, protectied, disseminated, and used. Decisions made about the storage of data will enhance control for both current and future generations, and whenever prossble, Māori data will be stored in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Rangatiratanga (Authority)
The whakapapa (referring to genealogy) of Māori data – the origins, present, and future use – will be acknowledged and considered at all times during collection and use. In terms of the origins of data, accurate metadata will provide information about the provenance of the data, the purpose(s) for its collection, the context for its collection, and the parties involved. Within the present, the disaggreagation of Māori data will increase its relevance for Māori communities, iwi, and hapū, prioritising Māori needs and aspirations. In terms of future use, current decision will account for the long term consequences, good and bad, future generations of Māori may face. Decisions around future use will be made to protect against future harm.
Whakapapa (Relationships)
All data collected will enable Māori to derive individual and collective benefit, contribute to building capacity and developing the Māori workforce, and create connections bewteen Māori and other Indigenous peoples that will enable the sharing of strategies, resources and ideas in relation to data, and the attainment of common goals.
Kotahitanga (Collective Benefit)
The importance of navigating the connections between individual and collective rights and responsibilities is acknowledged. The rights, risks and benefits of individuals will be balanced with those of the groups they are a part of, and in some contexts, collective Māori rights will prevail over those of individuals. Furthermore, individuals and organisations responsible for the collection, storage and use of Māori data will be made accountable to the communtiies, groups and individuals from whom the data originates.
Whanaungatanga (Connections)
Respect and consent are vital to consider in the collection and use of Māori data. The collection, use and interpretation of data will uphold the diginity of Māori communities, groups, and individuals. Data analysis that stigmatises or blames Māori can result in collective and individual harm and will be actively avoided. Informed consent will underpin the collection and use of all data collected from or about Māori.
Manaakitanga (Reciprocity)
All Māori data will be stored and transferred in such a way that it enables and reinforces the capacity of Māori to exercise kaitiakitanga over Māori data. Tikanga, kawa (protocols) and mātauranga (knowledge) will underpin the protection, access and use of Māori data. Māori will decide which Māori data will be controlled or open access.
Kaitiakitanga (Guardianship)