Stats NZ and Ngā Rauru Kītahi, an indigenous Māori tribe, have joined forces in a working partnership agreement called Te Takapou Tupua. The goal of this collaboration is to share data that will aid in the development of Māori aspirations and empower the community to make informed decisions about their future.
The commitment made by the two organizations aims to improve access to data and create more opportunities for engagement and input from iwi (tribes), hapū (sub-tribes), whānau (extended families), and Māori businesses in decision-making processes. Through this collaboration, Ngā Rauru Kītahi hopes to have a fit for purpose data management plan and strategy in key areas such as housing and health, enabling them to make data-driven decisions.
Tia Warbrick, Stats NZ’s deputy chief executive of Māori partnerships, emphasizes the importance of data in empowering communities to understand their realities and secure their pathways for future development with evidence. Data provides insights into who people are, what they are doing, and offers analytics that can drive decision-making for hapū, iwi, and Māori communities, supporting their whānau (families) effectively.
While the partnership between Stats NZ and Ngā Rauru Kītahi is significant, Warbrick believes that there is potential for similar collaborations with other iwi in the future. This collective effort aims to retrieve the necessary data to support Ngā Rauru Kītahi in achieving its aspirations and turning them into reality.
The work has just begun, as the organizations now need to identify the specific data requirements for Ngā Rauru Kītahi. This process involves understanding the aspirations and needs of the community and ensuring that the data collected aligns with their priorities. The data retrieved will provide valuable information to track the progress of pathways implemented by iwi and understand their outcomes, leading to informed decision-making for the community’s future.
The collaboration between Stats NZ and Ngā Rauru Kītahi exemplifies a commitment to empowering Māori communities, giving them control over their futures, and ensuring their aspirations are understood and addressed. By sharing valuable data, communities can have a greater say in decisions that affect them, leading to more inclusive and equitable outcomes.
This partnership also highlights the potential for similar collaborations with other iwi. As New Zealand continues to strive for better outcomes for its indigenous communities, data partnerships like Te Takapou Tupua can play a crucial role in understanding the aspirations and needs of Māori and supporting their journey towards self-determination and well-being.
