Te Kotahi Research Institute

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10289/16828

This Research Commons Collection contains research from Te Mata Punenga o Te Kotahi | Te Kotahi Research Institute (TKRI) at the University of Waikato. Te Kotahi Research Institute supports initiatives and spaces for thought leadership particularly in the areas of Mātauranga Māori, Indigenous Data Sovereignty, and Indigenous Science and Economics.

For more information on Te Kotahi Research Institute, visit: https://www.waikato.ac.nz/research/institutes-centres-entities/institutes/tkri/

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Cultural dimensions of Indigenous trade: A summary of te ao Māori value frameworks
(Te Kotahi Research Institute, University of Waikato, 2026-01) Sterling, Rogena; Hudson, Maui; Kusabs, Natalie; Forde, Xavier
This working paper, part of the MBIE-funded ‘Tauhokohoko’ research project, investigates how Māori frameworks for wellbeing and economic development can inform the creation of a transformative Indigenous trade model. The project seeks to define Indigenous trade and its potential to reshape trade policy, enabling mana motuhake (self-determination) and fostering climate-resilient, holistic wellbeing (waiora). Key Context and Approach Global economic systems often prioritise profit over cultural and environmental values. In contrast, Māori trade integrates cultural principles to support community and ecological flourishing. This paper analyses thirteen distinct Māori wellbeing and economic development frameworks—from government, academic, and iwi sources—to identify common values, outcomes, and indicators. These are mapped against the project’s three core outcome areas: Mana Motuhake, Huanga (benefits), and Waiora. Core Findings: A Coherent, Values-Based Paradigm Despite diverse origins, the frameworks reveal a remarkably consistent and robust philosophical foundation that challenges conventional economics. Key recurring principles include: • Rangatiratanga / Mana Motuhake: The right and responsibility for self-determination is central. This extends beyond political autonomy to Māori-led governance of economic, social, and cultural pathways, ensuring trade policies are by and for Māori. • Holistic Huanga (Benefits): Success is defined multi-dimensionally, encompassing cultural vitality, social cohesion, environmental health, and spiritual wellbeing alongside economic prosperity. Models like the Economy of Mana emphasise reciprocity and wealth distribution for the collective good, contrasting with individualistic, profitmaximising paradigms. • Kaitiakitanga (Guardianship): The economy is embedded within an ecological context. Sustainability is an ethical imperative at the core of economic practice, demanding trade that protects natural resources for future generations. • Relationality (e.g., Whanaungatanga): Economic activity is seen as a means to build and strengthen respectful, long-term relationships and kinship networks, moving beyond purely transactional partnerships. Implications for an Indigenous Trade Framework The analysis demonstrates that a transformative Indigenous trade framework must be built on this values-based foundation. It requires: 1. Māori Leadership: Policies must be driven by Māori to actualise mana motuhake. 2. Broad Measurement: New systems are needed to capture the full spectrum of cultural, social, environmental, and economic benefits (huanga). 3. Values-Based Practice: Trade must operationalise principles like kaitiakitanga and whanaungatanga to ensure sustainability and foster respectful partnerships. Conclusion The reviewed frameworks provide a proven philosophical guide and practical indicators for building an alternative trade system. They show that an economically viable, culturally affirming, and environmentally sustainable model is not only possible but deeply rooted in te ao Māori. The Tauhokohoko project’s challenge and opportunity is to translate this rich knowledge into actionable trade policy that delivers holistic wellbeing for Indigenous peoples and offers a constructive alternative for the global community.
An exploratory report focused on the current and potential use of digital identity in digital trade
(Te Kotahi Research Institute, University of Waikato, 2026-05) Lucas, Danielle
This report is part of the Tauhokohoko research project. The Tauhokohoko research project aims: “to transform trade policy, measurement, and facilitation using Indigenous knowledge, methods, and values for the benefit of Māori and non-Māori people, communities, and enterprises in Aotearoa New Zealand, with application for Indigenous peoples elsewhere.” Mātauranga Māori and Māori data sovereignty are a key part of the project, in particular, as it relates to digital trade. This report contributes to the Tauhokohoko project by looking at the use of digital identity as a conduit for digital trade, to ensure the protection of people and taonga in digital trade. It hopes to help create “a future where Māori as tangata whenua and Te Tiriti partners can equitably participate in and benefit from New Zealand’s trade agreements.” This report builds on a previous report, done as part of the Tikanga in Technology research project, titled ‘Protecting the heartwood: how tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori can inform the construction of digital identities in Aotearoa New Zealand.’
Māori perspectives on development of an eDNA reference library: Summary for MfE Molecular Library of Groundwater Fauna project
(Te Kotahi Research Institute, University of Waikato, 2024-05-02) Sterling, Rogena; Hudson, Maui; Liggins, Libby
The use of eDNA as a biodiversity monitoring tool is becoming an increasingly viable option for Councils and communities however its effectiveness is dependent on access to high quality reference libraries. Over the past 12 months a range of discussions and consultations were held on the topic of eDNA and DNA reference libraries as part of the MfE Molecular Library of Groundwater Fauna project and the Te Huinga Ira Taketake o Aotearoa National DNA Reference Library Project1. Across the range of activities Māori views and perspectives on eDNA and DNA Reference Libraries including issues associated with its development and governance into the future. This report focuses on the consultation and online engagement sessions and identifies the key messages coming out of these sessions.
Māori perspectives on digital trade
(Te Kotahi Research Institute, University of Waikato, 2025-12) Lucas, Danielle
Māori have engaged in trade for generations, both domestically and internationally (Mika 2014, Spiller et al 2025). As a way to access resources and build or strengthen relationships, trade allowed Māori in the North Island to access pounamu from the South Island and now allows those around the world to experience Whakatōhea mussels, Tai Tokerau mānuka honey and Tohu wines (Tohu Wines 2021, Open Ocean Whakatōhea mussels 2021, Tai Tokerau Honey 2025). With Māori authorities and businesses exporting a combined $1,350 million worth of goods in 20233, Māori international trade is becoming increasingly important to both the national and Māori economies. However, the way we trade, and what we are trading, are rapidly changing. Advances in technology, from improved refrigeration and transportation to the creation of the internet, are expanding flows of trade in goods, services, capital, labour and now data. This new form of trade, in digital assets and on digital channels has “…fundamentally altered the production and consumption of goods and services worldwide over the past two decades (OECD 2023 page 1).” As a growing part of the national economy, Māori are increasingly engaging in digital trade, from utilising online platforms and QR codes for product identification to creating and exporting applications. As Whaanga et al (2015) state, Māori have a long history of “…adopting new technologies, but also of innovating and developing technologies that suit their specific needs and allow for the expression of their culture and identity.” As digital trade grows, it is important that Māori communities can participate in and protect against digital trade. Therefore, this scoping report looks at Māori perspectives on digital trade. Although there is currently limited focus placed in this area4, the rapidly developing nature of digital trade means it is one of increasing importance to Māori communities. This report provides a basis to explore digital trade. Firstly, it discusses definitions for digital trade, taking time to explore the growing divergence between 1) digitally traded goods and services, and 2) trade in digital assets and services. The next section highlights the policy impacts of these diverse forms of digital trade (compared to traditional or non-digital trade) and how these forms of trade may cause unique considerations for Māori communities, providing some of the limited evidence available on this. This analysis highlights the tensions between the desire for Māori organisations to take part in the economic and social benefits of digital trade while ensuring that Māori rights and interests are not lost during the growth of digital trade. In conclusion this report lists further areas where Māori perspectives on either trade or the technology sector are offered, which may help shed light on Māori perspectives of digital trade. Noting that there is a large number of adjacent reports to this area, the report recommends there is more specific and intentional research (such as a survey) on Māori perspectives on trade in digital trade to ensure these perspectives can be incorporated into trade policy.
Indigenous perspectives on digital trade
(Te Kotahi Research Institute, University of Waikato, 2026) Cordes, Ashley; Sane, Sudhanshu
As Indigenous peoples, histories and practices of trading are held within our bodies, written in laws, archives, and treaties, and ultimately mediate relationships with land, communities, and technologies. The rapid and widespread adoption of networked communication in our Digital Age, and simultaneous financial uncertainty, have contributed to the creation and adaptation of new conditions of exchange. Digitality offers Indigenous peoples unique opportunities to trade across long distances while building economies on sovereign terms. In contrast to other forms of trade, digital trading is by nature highly reliant upon the Internet and its underlying infrastructures. These include transmission media: high-speed fiber optic cables; wireless spectrum; networking equipment: routers, switches, cell towers, satellite ground stations; end devices: laptops, phones, servers; and the core network software: the Internet protocol stack. Digital ledger systems (e.g., blockchain), digital wallets, encryption for secure transactions, security, machine learning/artificial intelligence (AI), and compliance protocols are particularly critical to the future of digital trading.
Indigenous biodiscovery wānanga: Summary report
(Te Kotahi Research Insitute, University of Waikato, 2026-03-31) Caddie, Manu; Caddie-Koia, Miria
The Indigenous Biodiscovery Wānanga held on 30–31 March 2026 at JetPark Hotel, Hamilton, brought together around 60 researchers, Māori representatives, community leaders, government officials, and industry experts to explore the intersection of Indigenous knowledge, biodiversity research, and commercialisation. This two-day event provided a forum for in-depth discussion on key challenges and opportunities in Indigenous-led biodiscovery, with a focus on protecting taonga species, ensuring Māori rights and interests are recognised, and building sustainable pathways for commercialisation that benefit both communities and ecosystems.
He rangahau tauutuutu: Research reciprocity framework
(Te Kotahi Research Institute, University of Waikato, 2026-02) Manukau, Merepaea; Hudson, Maui; Kusabs, Natalie; Mahuta, Nanaia
Research reciprocity represents a deep commitment to partnership with Indigenous communities in research collaborations. It emphasises the need for not only benefit sharing but also power sharing across the broader research lifecycle encompassing both upstream and downstream activities. Research reciprocity is inherently relational with a focus on distributing resources, opportunities, decision-making and control in an equitable manner. Research reciprocity combines the ethics and community engagement that inform equity in ‘International research collaborations’, the issue of trust and social responsibility aligned to ‘Responsible Research and Innovation’, the knowledge translation intent associated with ‘Research Impact’, and the concept of Fair and Equitable Benefit Sharing enshrined in the Nagoya Protocol; and brings them into dialogue with Indigenous aspirations for research partnerships including self-determination, cultural centredness, Indigenous data sovereignty, community wellbeing, and capacity building.
Defining indigenous trade: A working paper incorporating Māori and indigenous perspectives
(Te Kotahi Research Institute, University of Waikato, 2025-12-10) McLellan, Georgia; Mika, Jason; Cribb, Miriama; Jurado, Tanya; Jorgensen, Eva; Niu, Xiaoliang; Hepi, Suzanne; Ross, Betty; Warriner, Virginia
This working paper is part of a New Zealand Government–funded research project titled ‘Tauhokohoko: Enabling mana motuhake through Indigenous trade’ (Tauhokohoko), which was developed by the University of Waikato and Te Rōpū Taumata Charitable Trust (Te Taumata). The paper was prepared by the Tauhokohoko Research Aim 1.3 team and sets out a working definition of ‘Indigenous trade’. The Tauhokohoko Research Aim 1.3 team acknowledges that the term ‘Indigenous’ can be problematic, since it collectivises the experiences of all Indigenous peoples. The project acknowledges the diverse realities of Indigenous peoples and strives to use the term in an inclusive way. Despite the existence of fraught relations between Indigenous peoples and postcolonial trade practices, Indigenous peoples have always had their own trade practices and relations grounded in Indigenous ways of being, knowing and doing. Within contemporary economies, Indigenous peoples are increasingly turning to international trade to meet their economic, social and cultural aspirations. The Tauhokohoko Research Aim 1.3 team believes that Indigenous trade, when practiced in the right way, can be used as a tool for enhancing Indigenous self-determination and collective wellbeing. This paper outlines a tentative definition of ‘Indigenous trade’ for research purposes and provides grounded examples of Indigenous trade that fit within that tentative definition. The Tauhokohoko project is concerned primarily with the involvement of Indigenous peoples in international trade as a financial activity; however, the tentative definition encompasses financial, non financial, tangible and non-tangible forms of exchange. The paper ends by outlining the key literature that informs the working definition of ‘Indigenous trade’, including perspectives on the origins of international trade and Indigenous trade, international business and entrepreneurship, and Indigenous economies.
Transforming data ecosystems in Aotearoa New Zealand: A landscaping report undertaken as part of the Tikanga in Technology [TinT] project
(Te Kotahi Research Institute, 2025-02-11) West, Kiri
Data ecosystems in Aotearoa New Zealand are being reshaped by a growing recognition of Māori rights, values, and aspirations in relation to data. The principles of Māori Data Sovereignty (MDSov) and the Māori Data Governance (MDGov) Model provide a framework for transforming current data practices and structures in ways that uphold mana motuhake, advance tikanga Māori, and promote collective benefit. This report explores the concept of transforming data ecosystems through a kaupapa Māori lens. It begins with an overview of the international Indigenous Data Sovereignty (IDSov) movement, then situates this within the local context of Māori Data Sovereignty in Aotearoa. It considers how Māori scholars and communities have theorised transformation as a dynamic, relational process grounded in tikanga Māori. The report defines a data ecosystem as a living system of interdependent actors, infrastructures, processes, and tools. It uses this framing to examine how Māori-led mechanisms, processes, and tools are contributing to ecosystem transformation. Examples include the Māori Data Privacy Framework, CARE Principles, Māori Algorithmic Sovereignty (MASov) Principles, Ngā Tikanga Paihere (NTP), Ngā Upoko Tukutuku, and the Nukutere Model, as well as key tools such as Te Whata, Te Pā Tūwatawata, and Local Contexts Traditional Knowledge (TK) and Biocultural (BC) Labels. Throughout, the report aligns these examples with the eight pou of the MDGov Model, highlighting how each supports specific dimensions of Māori data governance. It demonstrates that transformation is already underway through the layered, relational, and tikanga-led embedding of Māori values across the ecosystem. However, significant challenges remain. Key gaps include limited structural accountability, voluntary uptake of Māori governance frameworks, uneven capability and capacity, and the need for long-term investment in Māori-led data infrastructure. The report argues that transformation will require sustained commitment to power-sharing, tikanga-based process innovation, and the development of a fully Māori-led data stack. By centring kaupapa Māori approaches, this report offers both a critical analysis of the current state of Aotearoa’s data ecosystem and a forward-looking vision for how it can evolve to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Māori aspirations for data sovereignty and governance.
Protecting the heartwood: How can tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori inform the construction of digital identities and relational responsibilities to data in Aotearoa New Zealand?
(Te Kotahi Research Institute, 2025-02-11) Lucas, Danielle
A report prepared by Danielle Lucas as part of the Tikanga in Technology research project
Tikanga and ethical considerations for visual research with young Māori
(Te Kotahi Research Institute, University of Waikato, 2025-02-11) Renfrew, Larissa; Hudson, Maui; Le Grice, Jade; Wilson, Daniel; Hamley, Logan; Kusabs, Natalie; Clark, Terryann
Approaches to benefit sharing
(Te Kotahi Research Institute, 2024-06-01) Sterling, Rogena; Brooks, Robert Turongo; Riddle, KatieLee; Kusabs, Natalie; Hudson, Maui
This information sheet provides successful examples of different approaches to benefit sharing across a range of industries, from around the world and within Aotearoa. It highlights what works and where challenges and gaps exist in current approaches. Finally, a spectrum of Indigenous sharing approaches is provided, based on the OECD framework of benefit sharing and type of benefit (direct and collective) to Indigenous peoples.
Evolving benefit sharing regimes – A way forward
(Te Kotahi Research Institute, 2024-08-16) Sterling, Rogena; Hudson, Maui; Kusabs, Natalie; Riddle, KatieLee; Brooks, Robert Turongo
Identifying models for benefit sharing in different domains – An exploration of benefit sharing across industries
(Te Kotahi Research Institute, University of Waikato, 2024-08) Sterling, Rogena; Brooks, Robert; Riddle, KatieLee; Hudson, Maui
Te nohonga kaitiaki guidelines information sheet
(Te Kotahi Research Institute, 2024-08-12) Sterling, Rogena; Hudson, Maui; Liggins, Libby
DNA information sheet
(Te Kotahi Research Institute, 2024-07) Sterling, Rogena; Hudson, Maui; Liggins, Libby; van der Reis, Aimee
eDNA and environmental monitoring information sheet
(Te Kotahi Research Institute, 2024-08-12) Sterling, Rogena; Hudson, Maui; Liggins, Libby; van der Reis, Aimee; Wilkinson, Shaun P.
eDNA, DNA reference libraries and kaitiakitanga
(Te Kotahi Research Institute, 2024-08-12) Sterling, Rogena; Hudson, Maui; Liggins, Libby
Indigidata Aotearoa post-event summary report 2023
(Te Kotahi Research Institute, 2023) Te Kotahi Research Institute
From the 21st to the 24th of August, the inaugural Indigidata Aotearoa 2023 was held at Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato. In recent years there has been significant advances in the fields of Indigenous data science and sovereignty. The Indigidata Aotearoa programme was designed to develop an understanding of Indigenous data science and sovereignty alongside some of the best researchers in Aotearoa New Zealand. The fully funded wānanga was open to Māori (tauira, kaitiaki, kaipakihi) participants from across Aotearoa. Applications were received from more than 35 respondents, and 23 tauira Māori attended the inaugural event.
Local Contexts: Traditional Knowledge (TK) Labels for Ngāi Tai ki Tamaki
(University of Waikato, 2022-07-27) Hamilton-Pearce, Janette
How can the Local Contexts Traditional Knowledge (TK) Labels ground the rights of Ngāi Tai ki Tamaki in datasets and digital infrastructure? This presentation will help to address this question.

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