Māori-led partnership to anchor artificial intelligence in tikanga

A new partnership between Toitū AI and Te Puna Ora o Mataatua aims to put tikanga at the centre of artificial intelligence development in Aotearoa. As reported by Radio Waatea on 6 August 2026, the collaboration seeks to create digital systems that strengthen mana motuhake and improve whānau wellbeing through culturally grounded technology. Toitū AI founder Dan Te Whenua Walker, who was welcomed to Te Puna Ora o Mataatua in July, says the initiative is about ensuring Māori are creators of technology rather than just consumers. He argues that AI should reflect Māori values instead of simply adopting overseas platforms that may lack understanding of the ethical and collective responsibilities inherent in te ao Māori. “Our goal is to ensure AI strengthens whānau, supports iwi aspirations and protects the integrity of Māori knowledge and data,” Mr Walker says. He notes that the partnership focuses on building AI that works alongside communities rather than making decisions for them, using tikanga as a framework for accountability and collective wellbeing. The work is expected to investigate practical applications for AI in sectors such as housing, health, and community development. By integrating Māori values into decision-making processes, the partnership aims to help organisations analyse data more effectively while maintaining cultural integrity. This move aligns with broader efforts across the country to bolster Māori data sovereignty and protect mātauranga Māori from algorithmic bias or unauthorised use. As governments and iwi continue to navigate the risks and opportunities of emerging technologies, Mr Walker believes Māori leadership is essential. He suggests that when digital tools are grounded in whakapapa and tikanga, they become powerful assets for community strength rather than threats to cultural identity.