A new framework developed in partnership with Iwi Māori Partnership Boards (IMPBs) is encouraging kōrero about how whānau voice can be protected, governed and used in ways that uphold tikanga Māori, Māori data sovereignty and tino rangatiratanga.
The report is the second release in the Āti Awa Toa Hauora Partnership Board’s, Puanga–Matariki Insights Series 2026: a collection of reports reflecting the journey from listening to whānau, understanding aspirations and identifying actions that will improve hauora outcomes. Released between Puanga and Matariki, the series reflects this season of preparation, reflection and setting direction for the future.
Te Māra o Hine-Raraunga, explores how IMPBs can safely collect, store and use whānau voice information while ensuring whānau retain meaningful influence over decisions affecting their data.
Whānau voice includes the stories, experiences, reflections and insights shared through hui, wānanga, surveys, interviews, artwork, waiata and other forms of expression.
Āti Awa Toa Hauora Partnership Board Manahautū, Hikitia Ropata, says the kaupapa is fundamentally about trust.
“Whānau share their experiences with us because they want their voices heard and their realities influencing decisions affecting their wellbeing. This creates a responsibility to ensure their shared stories are protected and treated with care.”
The project found that while many commonly used digital platforms provide practical solutions, they may not always align with aspirations for long-term governance, control, and stewardship of data.
Rather than focusing solely on technology, Te Māra o Hine-Raraunga asks a broader question: who ultimately controls whānau kōrero once it enters digital systems?
The framework proposes a sovereignty-first approach that prioritises governance, trust and local control while recognising the practical realities and resource constraints facing organisations today.
“This is not simply an IT discussion,” Ms Ropata said.
“It is a korero about protecting the mana of whānau kōrero, maintaining trust, and ensuring future generations retain meaningful influence over their data and stories.”
As the Puanga–Matariki season invites communities to reflect on the past, understand the present and shape the future, Ms Ropata said the reports help strengthen decision-making grounded in whānau voice.
“As we mark the Puanga–Matariki season, we are releasing a series of reports that elevate the voices of whānau, inform future investment, and support better health outcomes for our communities. Together, these reports help shape our priorities for the year ahead.”
The framework was developed by Nicholson Consulting and Catalyst IT in partnership with Āti Awa Toa Hauora Partnership Board and Manatū Hauora. It is intended as a starting point for discussion and future collaboration across IMPBs nationally.
Rather than prescribing a single solution, the report provides a roadmap for exploring approaches that strengthen Māori governance, capability and digital tino rangatiratanga over time.
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Or you can read the report online below: