30 Jan 2025
Eight apprentices have graduated with a deeper understanding of Māori data, and its application for greater outcomes, after a nine-month intensive programme to build their raraunga Māori pūkenga (Māori data skills).
This milestone was celebrated at a graduation ceremony in Rotorua on Wednesday 18 December 2024.
Over the past nine months, these eight iwi data apprentices have participated in He Ara Pūkeko, a first of its kind initiative in Aotearoa New Zealand. The initiative is developed by Te Kāhui Raraunga as part of a programme to build iwi Māori data capability and capacity – Te Mana Whakatipu.
At the graduation ceremony, Kirikowhai Mikaere, Lead Technician for the Data Iwi Leaders Group and Te Kāhui Raraunga, not only recognised the graduates for their dedication throughout their apprenticeships but also reflected on the impact they will have on Māori data sovereignty in the future.
“Our Pūkeko are the embodiment of Te Kāhui Raraunga’s guiding principles - mana motuhake and aroha,” said Ms Mikaere.
“With the skills they’ve gained in this initiative, they are now ready to contribute to our iwi Māori data future and ultimately the wellbeing of iwi, hapū and whānau Māori for generations to come.
“To our Pūkeko, it has been inspiring to walk alongside you throughout this journey.”
In the first six months of the programme, apprentices gained exposure to the data lifecycle from an iwi Māori perspective. They also worked within Statistics NZ and the Ministry of Education to gain experience in the application of data with a national lens.
In the final three months, apprentices used the pūkenga gained during the programme to complete a research project for their iwi, which was presented at the graduation ceremony.
Te Kāhui Raraunga Chair, Rahui Papa, says a key strength of He Ara Pūkeko is the connection nurtured between the apprentices and their iwi sponsors.
“By presenting their work back to their iwi, it ensures a layer of accountability” says Mr Papa.
“Our Pūkeko have gained a deeper understanding of how to utilise Māori data in a way that nurtures it as a taonga and is safe for our people.
“This is showcased in the rangahau produced, which prioritises the oranga of their iwi and demonstrates Māori data governance in action.
“Each and every one of our graduates should feel great pride in this achievement and I look forward to seeing how they use their pūkenga to support their iwi aspirations going forward. Poipoia te kākano kia puawai.”
In addition to their iwi sponsors, graduates’ whānau and representatives from Statistics NZ and the Ministry of Education attended the ceremony to recognise their efforts and their growth since their journey began in April 2024.
He Ara Pūkeko graduate, Te Atawhai Amaru-Tibble (Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri, Ngati Porou, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga and Ngāti Tūwharetoa) was endorsed by his iwi, Ngāti Mutunga o Wharekauri, to participate in the initiative. He says He Ara Pūkeko has provided participants with a unique learning environment.
"There are a lot of places you can learn how to be a data analyst, there are a few places you can learn about Māoritanga, but there is only one place where those two things come together,” says Mr Amaru-Tibble
“Through He Ara Pūkeko, Te Kāhui Raraunga has done amazing job at finding the balance between those two things.
“This experience has really highlighted the importance of Māori data sovereignty. I’ve also gained an essential skill – applying tirohanga Māori, a Māori perspective, to data analysis.”
Top photo caption: He Ara Pūkeko graduates with their certificates, presented at the graduation ceremony. Back row from L-R, Haami Piripi (Te Ohu Whakatipu), Te Atawhai Amaru-Tibble, Kauri Oraeroa Tauroa-Shelford, Te Uruti Tau. Front row from L-R, Opal Howell, Rickii Parekura, Elizabeth Williams, Chonatae McLean-Woon, Noah Harto, George Reedy (Te Ohu Whakatipu).
Photo caption: Te Atawhai Amaru-Tibble says He Ara Pūkeko has provided participants with a unique learning environment.