Ngā hangarau ara: New technology pathways
Mussel Farm field test in Mohua Golden bay with research engineers Tim Rensen (left) and Dr Rory Clifford (right) with Te Wānanga o Waitaha University of Canterbury’s UCVision, Autonomous Underwater Vehicle currently being used for surveying green lipped mussels and scallops as well for the discovery of invasive pest species or biofouling, using computer vision and artificial intelligence. Special thanks to the Cawthron Institute and the Science for Technological Innovation (SfTI) National Science Challenge (photo supplied).
This research aims to improve the digital divide between Māori and new Technologies, by creating unique opportunities for Māori to engage with cutting edge technology and Marae led initiatives. Our goal is to prepare Māori for a future that is heavily reliant on technology, which may not currently take tikanga Māori into consideration and enable Māori to become drivers, creators and influence the way new technologies are implemented. Simultaneously, industries in new technologies have expressed a strong desire to improve diversity in their teams, for broader thinking in the design of systems that should consider the knowledge of Indigenous peoples. By investing early into whānau career development in this sector, reducing this gap in understanding for Māori and new technologies, will future proof whānau, so Māori can make better decisions at hapū and iwi level regarding assets, taonga and our legacy. Building upon existing projects such as unlocking curious minds and aatea, This project supports the kaupapa of Mō kā uri, the aspirational visions of Kāi Tahu by the year 2050, by addressing the technological mismatch currently experienced by Māori and te ao hangarau at the marae.