Aotearoa, New Zealand, 4 December 2023 – Te Ao Matihiko, a pioneering organisation dedicated to the representation and excellence of Māori in the digital landscape, proudly unveils a significant milestone with the establishment of its Kāwanatanga ā-Matihiko.
As navigators of the digital realm, Te Ao Matihiko envisions a future where Te Ao Māori is intricately woven into the fabric of the digital realm. This initiative aims to maximise Māori participation, realise digital excellence, and ensure the equitable distribution of the benefits of digital across all communities.
Guided by three foundational pou: Te Hapori Matihiko (People), Te Matarau (Advocacy), and Te Pae Tawhiti (Legacy) – Te Ao Matihiko embarks on a mission to navigate the convergence of technology, tikanga, and tradition.
Elle Archer, Executive Chair, shares the significance of Te Ao Matihiko, “It’s more than an initiative; it’s a legacy in the making. We are dedicated to creating a future where our tamariki and mokopuna will navigate a digital world that resonates with their identity as Māori.”
The newly formed Kāwanatanga brings together a diverse and dynamic team of experts:
Berys Amor (Ngāti Raukawa): CIO at Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, passionate about leveraging digital and data for the prosperity of Māori.
Nikora Ngaropo (Te Rarawa, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Kahungungu): Director & Founder of NNMD and Young Animators, with extensive experience in creative roles and technical enablement at Weta Digital.
Shanon O’Connor (Ngāti Porou, Ngāi Tahu): Founder and Director of Tōnui Collab, a kaupapa Māori driven STEMM learning partner.
Janelle Riki-Waaka (Tainui Āwhiro / Ngāti Hauiti): Kaiwhakahaere (Director) of Riki Consultancy, specializing in Te Tiriti o Waitangi education, strengthening cultural competencies and digital technologies in education.
Dr Karaitiana Taiuru (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Toa): Leading authority and Māori technology ethicist, specialising in Māori rights with AI and data sovereignty.
Megan Tapsell (Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga): General Manager of Enterprise and Pacific Tech for ANZ, also Chair of the AI Forum NZ.
Dr Warren Williams (Ngai Tūhoe, Waikato): Chief Executive for 20/20 Trust, experienced in education, business, digital technology, and Māori research.
This esteemed group of rangatira will guide Te Ao Matihiko over the next 24 months, laying a robust foundation for a future where culture is seamlessly interwoven within the digital realm.
Elle Archer (Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Porou, Ngāpuhi, Ngāi Tūhoe), serving as Executive Chair, alongside Chief Executive Katie Brown (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Whātua) sees this as a new chapter in Aotearoa’s digital advancement, blending tradition and innovation. Te Ao Matihiko aims to create a digital future where Māori values are integral to Aotearoa’s technological advancements, benefiting all.
‘Ko tātou katoa he wāhanga o te tuku iho nui.’
For more information about Te Ao Matihiko and its journey towards a digitally empowered Aotearoa, please contact Katie Brown at 021 945 935.
About Te Ao Matihiko
Te Ao Matihiko is dedicated to ensuring that the digital future of Aotearoa is reflective of Māori values and aspirations. By fostering innovation, advocacy, pathways, and education within the DigiTech sector, it aims to amplify Māori voices and safeguard cultural narratives for generations to come.
Two delivery waka are:
Te Hapori Matihiko, a community for Māori in digital and technology: www.matihiko.nz
Te Matarau, the Māori Tech Association, focused on advocacy and system change for Māori in tech: www.tematarau.tech
