Researchers are increasingly having to consider responsiveness to Māori and Māori data sovereignty in grant and ethics applications and throughout the research data lifecycle.
What is Māori data and Māori data sovereignty?
Te Mana Raraunga (Māori Data Sovereignty Network) provides definitions, resources, and an overview of their principles of Māori data sovereignty. The following is a short summary of these principles:
- Rangatiratanga - Authority: Control, Jurisdiction, Self-determination
- Whakapapa - Relationships: Context, Data disaggregation, Future use
- Whanaungatanga - Obligations: Balancing rights, Accountabilities
- Kotahitanga - Collective benefit: Benefit, Build capacity, Connect
- Manaakitanga - Reciprocity: Respect, Consent
- Kaitiakitanga - Guardianship: Guardianship, Ethics, Restrictions
The principles are recommended to be applied throughout the research lifecycle.
Māori Data Sovereignty at UC
Māori data sovereignty guidance and CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance complement the FAIR principles in encouraging consideration of both people and purpose. CARE principles are explained here.
UC strongly recommends that all decisions about Māori data storage be made in collaboration with Māori, and that Māori data is stored in Aotearoa New Zealand so that is not subject to foreign laws (see Research Data Storage Section). Any research using iwi data must be conducted with consultation with iwi.
We strongly recommend engaging with Kaiārahi from your department or Kaiārahi Rangahau Māori in this dynamic space and information is available on the Māori Research Partnerships page. Our eResearch Consultants are available to give advice on the most appropriate storage solution for your research. Our Data Librarian is also on hand to support researchers in this area. You can read more details about Māori Research Methodology and book time with the subject librarian on the Libguides page.
