6. The enablers: Collaboration
6.1 Mäori
Mäori are tangata whenua of New Zealand and as the indigenous people contribute a unique world view, knowledge and culture that differentiates New Zealand from any other country. The potential for Mäori development using digital technology is high – and of critical importance to our digital future.
The 2005 Digital Strategy recognised the importance of working with Mäori to achieve their goals for the use of digital technologies. The Draft Digital Strategy 2.0 more explicitly recognises the importance of digital development to Mäori wellbeing and Mäori business and employment.
The Draft Digital Strategy 2.0 confirms that Mäori need to be well connected, skilled and confident creators and users of new technologies. For example, collaboration and partnership will be required around rural broadband access, skill development and the protection of Mäori intellectual property. There are already some encouraging signs. The recent digital broadcasting changes encourage Mäori to create and share their knowledge and heritage. EDS (an IT-outsourcing company), the Mäori Education Trust, and Te Puni Kökiri are jointly providing scholarships for Mäori students of ICT in tertiary education.
But digital technology is not merely important for its economic potential. It is a vital means of transmitting mätauranga Mäori, strengthening Mäori identity, expressing a Mäori world view and communicating with the world. Hence, it is important that cultural digital content is created in te reo Mäori and maintained in accordance with tikanga Mäori.
In summary, Mäori are important collaboration partners because:
- Mäori are significant and growing contributors to the New Zealand economy and are well positioned to meet the challenges and opportunities of the digital environment. Mäori have shown a strong uptake of digital technology, which has the potential to be harnessed for wider social, economic and cultural wellbeing.
- Mäori are creators and consumers of distinct digital content, particularly visible in the broadcasting, arts, education and academic arenas. This is vital to recognising Mäori culture and language in a contemporary setting, and thereby informing and contributing to our unique New Zealand identity.
- Mäori use digital technology to connect iwi, hapü, whänau and other tribal organisations throughout New Zealand, and overseas.
- Different approaches are required to protect, preserve and promote mätauranga Mäori.
A Mäori ICT forum on potential partnerships and opportunities will be facilitated by Te Puni Kökiri in 2008.