As AI and digital technologies evolve, how do we ensure Māori values and knowledge systems shape the future? Maui Hudson (Whakatōhea, Ngāruahine, Te Māhurehure), Director of Te Kotahi Research Institute and a founding member of Te Mana Raraunga, is at the forefront of Indigenous data sovereignty, ensuring Māori communities maintain control over their data, AI, and genomic research.

In this deep kōrero, Maui explores the intersection of tikanga, technology, and Indigenous rights, highlighting the risks of data extraction and the importance of building Māori-led tech solutions. He explains why Māori must move beyond being technology end-users to becoming creators, governors, and innovators, ensuring that our digital future aligns with our values.

Maui challenges us to reframe our relationship with AI and digital platforms, urging iwi, hapū, and whānau to be active participants in shaping the rules that govern Indigenous knowledge, data, and storytelling.

Key Takeaways:

• Indigenous data sovereignty is about protection AND innovation—it’s not enough to just guard our data; we must use it to benefit our people.
• Tikanga must guide AI and digital spaces, just as it does in the physical world. What does a "digital marae" look like? How do we uphold kawa and tikanga in virtual environments?
• Indigenous knowledge is already influencing global data ethics—Māori frameworks like Ngā Tikanga Paihere are shaping data equity standards at the World Economic Forum.
• The future of AI isn’t just about technology—it’s about who controls the narrative. We need more Māori in STEM, AI, data science, and genomics to lead the way.

🔗 Listen to the full kōrero here on our new : MEA nei te kōrero Spotify Channel

Māori are not just participants in the digital world—we are its designers, innovators, and knowledge holders. Let’s shape the future on our terms.

#MāoriTech #DataSovereignty #IndigenousAI #TikangaAndTech #IndigenousInnovation