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Research Report

September 2000

Prepared by: Susan Forbes, Murray Hemi, Greg Ford, Joan Ropiha for Te Kete Mö Te Taiao project.

Sustainable Management Fund (Logo)

Financial support for this project has been received from the Minister for the Environment's Sustainable Management Fund, which is administered by the Ministry for the Environment.

© The Crown (acting through the Minister for the Environment), 2001.*

Abstract

This research is part of the foundation work for designing a web site for kaitiaki Mäori who work mainly in the resource management area. Participants whom we knew to have an interest in this area were approached (and many forwarded the invitation) to complete a survey and/or participate in hui. Results have been recorded verbatim in order to protect the tone and integrity of responses. The main aims of the survey and the research study were to identify information needs and gaps, current Internet resources available and also wider media interest for kaitiaki.

42% of those who indicated an interest in the project completed forms- others participated in hui and informal interviews. Responses show reasonably consistent trends in what kaitiaki want from a web site and what their expectations are in terms of management. These are summarised in the results and conclusions sections but one important point that has emerged is the need to develop the web site alongside infrastructural support for training in and access to the technology. Another pervasive strand in comments was the degree of comfort in seeing this project start and grow in a tikanga base, with adherence to kaupapa Mäori principles.

This report outlines the responses and makes recommendations about how the site should proceed and what it might contain.

Introduction

1. RESEARCH PURPOSE

The main focus of the research study was to gain an understanding of the breadth and depth of kaitiaki interests in terms of Internet use and also wider media opportunities for dissemination of information relevant to kaitiaki and their networks. The core tasks of this stage of the web site project were to identify the information needs, information gaps, current resources available (also refer to the literature review), and overall media preferences amongst kaitiaki.

Objectives

The objectives of the research were:

2. Methodology

E-mail List

The proposed methodology as set out in the Project Tender document and first interim report was carried out. Initially the questionnaire was drafted and tested on some willing "critical friends and colleagues" as part of the first stage peer review. With a few adjustments everyone on the list of 125 known kaitiaki Mäori on e-mail was sent an introductory letter about the project inviting them to participate in a survey or just be kept informed of the project. This letter has also served as the first stage in the marketing of the web site amongst the key user group. The survey was sent on to other users by participants and resulted in further kaitiaki names being added to the list.

The survey was then designed so that the responses could be added and recorded electronically. This has allowed for easier assessment of responses and instant capture of data whilst providing anonymity for participants.

Sixty percent of those approached indicated an interest in the project and of that just over 40% completed survey forms returned. This is considered to be a fairly robust response given that the survey is lengthy and asks many questions in an open style (this prompting text answers rather than yes/no responses). We realised that the length may put some respondents off but judged that the information provided in the open ended questions will be of greater use than qualitative results from the yes/no click of the button.

Focus Groups and Interviews

Focus group hui were held over three sessions with iwi associated with Te Ati Awa ki Whakarongotai. This consisted of an introductory session about iwi web sites and the proposed kaitiaki web site (ca. 25 people attending), then a follow-up session using a large screen to surf through sites associated with kaitiaki interests (National library, Mormon Church whakapapa sites, etc)1. The third session was an informal discussion about the concept of the kaitiaki site, the possible content and issues surrounding use and access.

At a recent conference for communities and information technology use2 informal interviews were carried out with six delegates - all of whom are very active Internet and information technology users, all of whom are Mäori, and all work in kaitiaki related fields for their hapü and tribes or iwi authorities. Three of these people have agreed to participate as peer reviewers of the web site as it is being designed.

Telephone calls were also made to key individuals known to have an interest in the project and/or a high level of IT expertise and passion.

Demographic Details

Survey, focus group and interview participants were mainly from iwi and hapü in the North Island3. Most were active workers for iwi authorities (and associated business units like environment and health teams), Rünanga, Trust Boards, marae committees and kura kaupapa. Other participants were university and wananga students.

Ages of all participants groups were clustered between mid 30s to mid 50s. There were several participant kaumatua at the focus group hui at Whakarongotai. Their responses are at variance from the trends in the e-mail survey and possibly reflect an important consideration in terms of the effect and potential audience of a web site.

Results from the survey will be summarised and presented back to all participants. This feedback will also include an update of the web site progress.

Background

Current Mäori Internet use and access

Given that one of the core tasks of the project is to define information needs and gaps, some indication of relative Internet/e-mail current and likely usage and access is important. This section will also highlight the need for cautionary interpretation of statistics.

There are issues associated with access and use of information technology that are very relevant to this research project and the website. Some of these issues have emerged strongly in the survey responses (e.g. access to computers, bandwidth problems, skills, and age of software). These responses are supported by the literature review and Internet newsgroup discussions.

Statistics vary as to the numbers of Mäori Internet users4. Survey numbers found are:

Yet a recent Listener article7 states that there are currently 1.5 million Internet connections in NZ. It does not clarify whether this figure is private e-mail or includes business and government connections. When compared with a 1998 Statistics NZ survey that shows 34% of New Zealand homes have one or more PCs whilst a National Business Review - Compaq Poll (NBR 2000) that shows 50% of those surveyed (by 'phone) have access to a computer. The statistical data is a bit of a distraction when it is not clear what questions were asked to get these statistics. It seems that the most critical figure needs to be an assessment of information literary and access to information technology. On this subject the data is only just beginning to be collected.

A more detailed exploration of figures (through government web sites like the Ministry of Economic Development and Statistics New Zealand, and through the Mäori Internet Society) showed that Mäori usage figures are not at all well documented. There is also anecdotal evidence to show that low Mäori Internet use is an excuse not to allocate resources to this area or not put data on the Internet for easier access (the Mäori Land Court proposed a project for enhancing customer services through initiatives such as web sites has been successfully approved but not without difficulty in persuading Treasury that Mäori Internet use and capabilities warranted the project).

"Mäori are often passive participants in information technology and generally do not make key decisions. This is in part because Mäori do not have roles in information technology management and are under-represented in information technology fields such as computer science. There appears to be a need for Mäori to understand information technology projects and know who the stakeholders are and their roles. Knowing who they are and what they do means knowing their limitations - especially around decision-making"8.

A Statistics NZ report (1977) shows lower proportional spending on certain information-gathering activities (purchase of publications, computers and Internet) in Mäori households. Clearly there is a research problem here because the tools used by Statistics NZ for measuring information gathering are culturally biased. Mäori information gathering is often done in different fora (e.g. hui, marae, news media such as Mäori radio, and other collective environments such as libraries, wananga and other learning institutions). A question that was more responsive to Mäori information needs may have generated different results.

If the figures quoted above this is an urgent case for actively changing use and access. Use of figures to perpetuate inaction is irresponsible.

A sample Rünanga case study (Te Ati Awa ki Whakarongotai in Kapiti) showed that 25% of members on the tribal mailing list had e-mail addresses and used them regularly for sharing information. It is reasonable to assume that ownership of PCs and access to Internet are likely to produce different statistics for Mäori users. In a Mäori context use and access to the Internet may not be contingent on PC ownership (i.e. access through work, the Rünanga office or shared from a home base). This highlights a cautionary principle in interpreting statistics. PC ownership is not likely to be a useful indicator for Mäori Internet access. Use, access and ownership may not be strongly related. For example, in the table of kaitiaki for this survey (210 total) 37% e-mail addresses were work based, 22% home based - the remainder (41%) were without e-mail (i.e. were approached through hui and interviews).

"While education is the great equaliser, technology appears to be a new engine of inequality."9

New Initiatives and Likely Projections for Mäori Internet Use

Responses from the April Flaxroots Technology conference indicated that the Mäori "cyber waka" was becoming exponentially more adept and powerful, even more so matching the prolific print outputs of Mäori (e.g. newspapers) in the 1800s and early 1900s. Many exciting initiatives for getting Mäori individuals and communities on line were discussed. They ranged from the weighty IT muscle of tribes like Ngäi Tahu (intranet, ongoing Rünaka hui and korero through laptops, IT staff, a Strategic Plan for IT development and access) to more simple marae web sites and training programmes.

Existing user-groups like Te Whänau Ipurangi (the Mäori Internet Society10) and broadcasters of Mäori newsletters and e- information sites such as Ross Himona's comprehensive Te Karere Ipurangi11 (Mäori News Online) and Te Pütatara have recently revealed the enthusiasm for e-mail virtual hui and information dissemination. Likewise the use of e-mail groups to cover recent events such as the Royal Commission on Genetic Engineering have resulted in large amounts of background information as well as results from the Commission hui being provided by and for the use of kaitiaki.

Other recent or proposed initiatives include:

Results

Results from surveys and the hui remain in the words of the respondents because that is the process we determined at the outset. It is important that the survey retains the thoughts and wisdom or our participants and not reinterpret or summarise data. Their words are clear and often powerful and so have been used here, often at length, to fairly represent the trends and any common links.

The survey form was divided into five areas:

  1. electronic media use
  2. site facilities
  3. house rules
  4. the electronic neighbourhood
  5. demographics (discussed in the methodology section)

A. ELECTRONIC MEDIA USE

E-mail survey participants

All had regular and easy access to a computer and Internet connection. 50% stated that they have no problems downloading material from sites and getting access to useful material. About 35% listed access to information as being a problem, citing reasons such as:

45% of participants also said that they listen to audio material or watch videos through the Internet - mostly those who did not have the problems expressed above. Participants were asked to indicate the numbers of times they were likely to visit the proposed kaitiaki web site (and consequently expect it to be updated). Most (90%) indicated weekly or several times a week.

Respondents were asked if they had any particular problems retrieving information:

Current e-mail and Internet uses were listed as being:

A. Site Facilities

E-mail survey participants

The survey form said that we had expectations that a web site's success would depend upon freshness and relevance. We invited participants to respond about any other key ingredients:

Interest areas and features

We also provided a list of potential site content and asked participants to tick boxes for areas that were of interest to them. These included:

Management of Access

Section B explored some detailed ideas about how access may be managed for new visitors and whether discussion groups or confidential "marae" areas are needed. A model of a possible process and protocols for introducing visitors was put forward for comment.12

Response were varied. A number of respondents said they had no experience with discussion groups so would not comment. Others indicated that they felt nervous about the whole concept of discussion groups and participating on line, though 52% said they would participate. Comments in favour of some sort of moderated process (80% want moderation of some kind) included the following thoughts:

Other responses brought up relevant points that need to be considered:

The responses to the actual principle of protocols for restricting or controlling entry were mixed. Most were in favour of some formal process:

Others were cautious or wary about the possible complications:

With regard to use of moderators and development of the site, 90% of respondents agreed that use of moderators for content was important. Comments on methods for use and development of the site included:

Suggestions for moderators were mostly non-specific. It seems that most view this as being a matter that would evolve as the site and content develop, with one exception who saw this as being the most critical area ("The success of the site depends on the commitment and ability of the moderator - the 'driver' of the whole exercise"). Other thoughts were:

Virtually all respondents believed there should be some checking or vetting process for material that is lodged on the site.

In order to gauge the feeling for the degree of site interaction and even "ownership" or control that visitors would want, respondents were asked if they would be prepared to provide information or take the lead in aspects of the site, such as discussion groups:

B. HOUSE RULES AND SITE SECURITY

Only a few respondents commented on site security, most citing lack of experience as reasons for not commenting. The suggestions received were:

Respondents were asked to comment in detail about any other aspects of the web site that should be private or limited to controlled access:

E-mail survey participants:

Intellectual property and ethical issues

The questionnaire attempted to signal that this is an area that potential users need to be clear about. We did not want to create the impression that information on a site like this would not, at least in some way, be available to users. It is also our belief that there is a potential on the net for the generation of protocols and legislation on intellectual and cultural property rights and responsibilities. In other words the Internet could be a tool for protection of these rights. Respondents talked about their thoughts on intellectual property rights and their protection:

Possible ways of protecting IP were also sought. A few mentioned password access. Many had already indicated that sensitive information or material not designed for open use should not be placed on the Internet. Several noted that the web site could be a useful contact point for discussion in other forms (e.g. 'phone or face to face):

Hui Focus Groups

Delegates at the Flaxroots Technology conference were mostly keen e-mail users (some probably addicts!). Their responses to the idea of a kaitiaki site were passionate. Most expressed their immediate support for such a site stating concerns about feeling isolated, particularly from government initiatives and information as well as feeling the need for a electronic community to avoid "reinventing the wheel". Many delegates at the conference were from rural communities - the need to network was a common catch-cry over the two days.

Focus group hui participants, by contrast, had little or no experience in e-mail and Internet use. Many expressed concern at the perceived rate of cultural information finding its way to the web and were wary about information safety and the possibility of mis-appropriation. Others were of the general view that "if it is sensitive or secret then don't put it on the net". Most agreed that a lot rests on the site managers, "if its fresh, robust and reliable then it will work."

Wider ethical issues

No new issues were brought up in this question. Respondents reminded us about the very vocal responses from the recent Flaxroots Technology conference where a lot of concern was voiced about whakapapa on the net. At this same conference one of keynote speakers, Robyn Kamira, highlighted the matters of collective privacy for whänau, hapü and iwi not being covered by Privacy legislation.

Other comments were:

C. THE ELECTRONIC NEIGHBOURHOOD

Revenue generation, sponsorship and advertising

We explained that the intent was for this site to be come self-sustaining after a while and that a sponsor is being sought. Participants were asked for their feelings about general advertising or corporate sponsorship. Approximately 50% of respondents said that sponsorship would be agreeable (some were more enthusiastic than others) - many felt it was acceptable because it may be the only way of keeping the site alive:

More cautious or conditional responses were:

One solution was offered - "couldn't the web site get a FRST Grant?" The other responses were opposed to the notion:

The response to a classified section (for advertising kaitiaki businesses, events, publications, products etc) though was more consistently positive, with only two respondents expressing their dislike of the idea. Several ideas for keeping it from distracting the main theme of kaitiaki issues were to have the classified sections provided as links. One respondent also warned against the hazards of these areas not being regularly updated.

Other media options

Participants were asked about preferences for receiving information on kaitiaki issues. The web site has the potential to generate other media products (e.g. printed newsletter of sections of the website). This is an important consideration for those kaitiaki who do not have net access. Suggestions were:

As part of this question some concern was expressed for how this will be managed and paid for:

CONCLUSIONS and RECOMMENDATIONS

Feedback from the hui and survey has provided useful directions for this site and the wider context of site management and other information tools. For this section Survey and hui results have been grouped into "key issue" areas.

The survey and hui also raised broader issues that were outside the survey questions but are directly relevant to web site design and maintenance.

Information Literacy14

The survey indicates that there is a wide range of views amongst participants that appear to be linked to relative experience with electronic information and the web world. In our view the web site development and use needs to be linked to schemes for training and promoting IT skills. The Background section to this report lists several schemes and initiatives already in place. These need to be built on.

"If knowledge is power, then the net can be a significant tool of empowerment. Given the skills to navigate and access, the boundaries of what any connected individual can acquire are vastly expanded. Conversely, lack of access and lack of skill with ICTs is already and will continue to be a significant disadvantage in education and employment. If 90% of newly created jobs require IT skills, lacking those skills is creating exclusion from economic, educational and social opportunities. As the volume of useful stuff on the net expands, being excluded from it becomes relatively more disabling for individuals and communities".15

Libraries and skilled library staff are seen as being critical to this project and electronic information literacy in general. Libraries are often centres for self-education and will increasingly play a role in providing published electronic information and navigation tools for that information. The changing way that knowledge is being created and stored means that librarians need to take on responsibility for assessing accuracy, validity and origins of electronic material. Librarians and archivists will increasingly also be the training providers for others to use this knowledge.

In Victoria, Australia a scheme has been established for community groups to get on line through volunteer assistance and library resources. The results are extraordinary:

"VICNET runs a volunteer program, where people with some IT skills volunteer to assist community groups who lack the skills or confidence to publish their own web sites...

On VICNET we have over 3000 communities of interest hammering away, usually powered by one or two impassioned individuals, each of which is making its own contribution in connecting people, informing them, supporting them, organising information, sustaining and supporting isolated members, rallying the troops. The role of the net in providing a new voice and a new consciousness for previously marginalised and disempowered groups has been profound."16

Training and links to training schemes need to be part of this government web project. For example, Telecom has recently developed SeniorNet and CommunityNet - how about MäoriNet for promoting IT literacy? The project needs to be strongly linked to schemes to get computers into Rünanga, marae and homes and to support regular use and training. Simply establishing a web site is not enough.

"For isolated Iwi the opportunity this provides in maintaining and fostering self-determination or Tino Rangatiratanga is invaluable. "Techno Tino Rangatiratanga" or the promotion of indigenous autonomy via digital means provides Iwi with a fighting chance to enter the global market on their own terms"17.

IT Access

Access here includes not just physical access to computers and Internet but access to adequate bandwidth and infrastructural services to make the information work. It is a critical factor in this project because for many reduced services (esp. for rural communities) are a significant disadvantage:

"The isolation of many Mäori communities in remote areas such as the East Cape and the Far North of Aotearoa continues to have a negative impact within those communities enhancing disparity factors. Increased marginalisation occurs within these communities which in many cases are withdrawn from mainstream development and mainstream commercial opportunities. As globalisation continues to race ahead the issue of digital divide becomes critical in these isolated communities. To keep pace with the ever-changing commercial and political environment Iwi organisations have begun to rely heavily on indigenous networking to allow them to share information and to replicate successful development models and management systems. In some cases this is driven from a desire to establish financial autonomy within isolated communities, but more often it is driven by increasing demands for accountability within areas such as social service contracting to the Crown...

The greatest hurdle they face in developing IT capability is a restrictive bandwidth. Simple economics determine that isolated communities who are only now beginning to develop their technological ability do not sustain sufficient digital traffic to warrant upgrades of bandwidth and IT infrastructure. The entry of Telstra into the New Zealand environment highlights this factor. Their focus is increasing the bandwidth down the main trunk line from Auckland to Christchurch, with little to no investment into the peripheral sub-lines. The impact this has on isolated communities leaves them faced with digital divide problems which increase marginalisation, increase isolation, and increase negative responses to the use of information technology - promoting comments such as "who needs it," (if you cant have it)...The net future impact... for these communities is likely to see an increase in disparity factors and the development of a "subculture" which shuns information technology"18.

E-mail and Internet use

Survey results indicated high e-mail use and lower Internet use amongst participants. Results also point to the need for keeping site design simple, easy to use (keeping slow-to-load graphics to a minimum esp. if bandwidth continues to be a problem), and with free software upgrades regularly supplied. Users will visit the site at least once a week. They will expect material to be updated at least twice a week.

Site Facilities

The overwhelming response was that this site (and its continuing use and success) will depend on its robustness and reliability of content. Respondents indicated that initial use would be fairly passive (most did not want to contribute material at this stage). This is perhaps not surprising because people are being asked to comment on a site that does not yet exist. The level of interaction may change when the site is set up.

Features wanted covered a wide range (pages 9-10). In summary they are: legislation, case law, case study problems and solutions, training, education, funding, new initiatives, links, kaitiaki contacts, RMA commentary and indigenous issues.

From our list of suggested features (page 10) the most popular were: research, panui of events, links, RMA guidelines, and legislation changes/advice/ and case law - showing a trend to demand for practical applications and support. We were also reminded of the need to keep checking the accuracy of our links.

The ideas of in-house chat rooms and discussion groups, which generated such a lot of comment particularly with regard to security, were perhaps the least popular site features - some participants expressing "e-phobia" about the notion. At this stage the recommendation is to create an environment where these facilities can grow as the users wish. One option may be to have a trial system using a password protected space for more confidential discussions and using the kawa proposed for manuhiri - i.e. The virtual pöwhiri/hui situation and an open space for general discussions. Rules and conduct for both spaces should be established at the outset by kaitiaki users and then reviewed at an agreed period.

A further aid to site use is proposed in the form of regular e-mail reminders of the site when new information is posted (because of the relative high e-mail and low Internet use of participants). The e-mail reminder should have the address so a simple click can take you straight to the site. It is also recommended that a section of the site have a space for new and useful web sites e.g. a site of the month section (as distinct from the links section). These could be provided by users as a tool for those who do not have the time or funds for Internet surfing.

Anecdotal figures discussed at the Flaxroots conference indicated that if material was not downloading within five seconds or less users would switch off. This stunned many of those in the audience - clearly New Zealand (and particularly rural users) are putting up with much slower systems. The web site will need to be trialled with the least patient of our potential users to ensure maximum service delivery!

Access to and control of the site or parts thereof

As noted above the virtual hui model met with a mixed response. Generally there was a favourable response to the principles of respect and the sense that this model created a distinctly Mäori environment. This implied a degree of safety or at least comfort for potential kaitiaki users - this was at least starting to look like a site about Mäori and for Mäori.

There was a distinct polarity about the idea of password access or closed areas on the site, which is why we have recommended the trial options above.

Often discussion groups result in members being inundated with e-mail - often in subject areas where they have no interest. One response to this is to have a moderator "clump" discussions into subject areas. This also can help keep a check on racist or harmful "flame mail". On the down side, e-mail correspondence and the virtual hui environment may lose some of its spontaneity. This also raises the question of who should control the discussions.

At this stage the recommendation is to keep the korero open and simply have some kawa, principles and a code of conduct for generating e-mail (esp. keeping it short, clear and sweet) and allos protocols to develop over time.

Accuracy and Authority (moderation of feature content)

There needs to be someone or a system that ensures material added to the site is in appropriate formats and is reliable. This appears to be universally supported, mostly from an IT perspective.

There is also the need to promote use of te reo Mäori and macrons. Access to free software programmes for macron use plus advocacy for keyboards with a macron key should be a feature of this site.

Rules and Security

This is an area where all participants were cautious. The solution seems to rest on what the actual site content is (see information on site facilities). Amongst hui focus groups there was a perception that there is potential for loss of control when information is digitised. Again, the answers to this may depend on content. Certainly the kawa around acknowledging authorship and source material must be promoted.

Intellectual and Cultural Property

Most responses were clear that this is an important matter, though most also considered that the over-riding principle should be for making information available and used, conditional upon respect for acknowledgement of the source. Concerns about intellectual and cultural property matters most often refer to access to and possible abuse of whakapapa, family information, images, and inappropriate commercialisation.19 This was most strongly expressed by hui group participants - many of whom were shocked by levels of personal information already on the net (e.g. the Mormon Church ancestry sites http://www.familysearch.org). Even though this information is also freely (though less easily) available in print form there was a perception of greater danger to the integrity and sanctity of the information once it was digitised (i.e. it may be changed).

In our view it is not likely that information of this nature would be on the kaitiaki website. Survey expectations indicate the sort of information that the site would have should also be acceptable in print forms such as newsletters.

It is clear from the surveys and hui that protection of "cultural property" rights20 (that is, information generated over generations and belonging to families, tribes or ethnic groups) must be promoted on this web site. In this context, we consider that any images or design work for the site must be commissioned as original works rather than be derived from traditional design.

Ethics

Ethical considerations were largely covered in the IP discussion but one salient point was raised that must not be overlooked. There is a potential danger that the web site could be used by some as a sole consultation or information distribution forum. This practice occurred when the last National government conducted a review of the Resource Management Act last year almost exclusively through the web site and an e-mail newsletter.

Sponsorship

Conclusions about sponsorship remain fairly ambiguous in the responses. Sponsorship "capture" seems to be an issue for most. Respondents, particularly those at hui, indicated that would expect the site to be "by kaitiaki for kaitiaki" and in that sense not have any voice of authority or any particular tribal or business attachment. Clearly more details are needed about how sponsorship will affect ownership and control.

Sponsors will be actively sought once a trial web site has been initiated

Advertising

It was generally thought to be a necessary evil by most but it needed to be kept to a minimum. If classified advertising was introduced for kaitiaki businesses and products then this may help pay for the site. Several people suggested that the classified section may be better as a separate link. Again, our view is that this is only viable if the links and classified information are kept regularly updated. A big "turn off" for users and advertisers is an inactive site.

Concluding Statement

There seems to be a pervasive sense that the strength of this site is its tikanga base and adherence to kaupapa Mäori principles. Many respondents reacted positively to what they felt was familiar (even though if Internet was unfamiliar) and felt "right". The opportunities for Mäori and kaitiaki input at all stages of the project, and in particular this important first stage was well received. Many commented on this as being a sign that the inclusive foundation will lead to the development of appropriate protocols by the kaitiaki users.

The other strong thread that came through responses was the need to keep it simple and maintain it well - to start with what we know and let the site grow with the demand, interests and input from users, "why not get good at walking before you try to run or fly?"

References

Hardy, Gary April 2000
"What it is - is what we make it" optimal roles for government and community in developing the human, equitable and empowering online world that we all want.
Flaxroots Technology conference, Wellington April 2000
Published at: http://www.community.net.nz/flaxroots-technology/programme.htm

Kamira, Robyn April 2000
"Since We Became the Masters"
Issues for Iwi in Information Technology
Flaxroots Technology conference, Wellington April 2000
Published at: http://www.community.net.nz/flaxroots-technology/programme.htm

NBR 2000. National Business Review, 17 March 2000, pg 16.

Te Puni Kokiri/Ministry of Mäori Development, (1998b)
Trends in Mäori Employment, Income and Expenditure.
Whakapakari: Hunga Mahi, 2. Wellington, Te Puni Kokiri.

Te Puni Kokiri/Ministry of Mäori Development, (1999)
Mäori in the New Zealand Economy.
Economic Development Branch, Te Puni Kokiri, Wellington.

Statistics New Zealand 1997.
Data from the 1991 and 1996 Censuses of Dwellings.

Statistics New Zealand 1998.
Household Economic Survey.

Watson, Gary April 2000
Techno tino rangatiratanga: Promoting indigenous autonomy in the digital age
Flaxroots Technology conference, Wellington April 2000
Published at: http://www.community.net.nz/flaxroots-technology/programme.htm

* © Copyright exists in this work in accordance with the Copyright Act 1994. However, the Crown authorises and grants a licence for the copying, adaptation and issuing of this work for any non-profit purpose. All applications for reproduction of this work for any other purpose should be made to the Ministry for the Environment.

1  The audience of this hui were inexperienced net users and were keen to explore sites that contained family information (whakapapa, photographs). This search generated a discussion about the access to information and differences between net and print media (pages 21-22).

2  Flaxroots Technology Conference, Wellington April 2000

3  Survey panui were sent to a large number of potential respondents in the South Island but they were under-represented in responses.

4  The Ministry of Economic Development web site also states that only 6% of New Zealanders employed in the IT industry are Mäori. The response to that may be that many other Mäori are working in a voluntary capacity!

5  W. Poutu New Zealand Mäori Internet Society [nzmis] (user group discussion, September 7 2000)

6  quoted in the Ministry for Economic Development web site http://www.med.govt.nz/pbt/infotech/knowledge_economy/knowledge_economy-06.html#P464_76019

7  September 16 2000

8  R. Kamira 2000

9  quoted by Gary Hardy, Flaxroots Technology conference, April 2000. Source unknown.

10  http://www.nzmis.org.nz

11  http://maorinews.com

12  New visitors may first visit the entrance way and be electronically welcomed to the site, visitors may then introduce themselves and outline a kaupapa, or visitors may wish others to introduce them and speak on their behalf, established users may then facilitate entry into the discussion, return access could be permitted through a code or password.

13  See the literature review for more information on this

14  i.e. not knowledge itself but how to get access to knowledge and how to interpret, sort and use it.

15  Gary Hardy, Flaxroots Technology conference April 2000

16  Gary Hardy, ib id

17  Gary Watson, Flaxroots Technology conference, April 2000

18  Gary Watson, ib id

19  Many may remember when, in 1999, a United States "artist" created controversy by promoting her fake moko mokai as art for sale on a web site. The more outrage she received from New Zealand and Mäori, the more prominence it gave her page!

20  Cultural property rights cannot be vested in an individual (like patents and copyright) and so are not protected by conventional IP protection mechanisms. Refer to The Mataatua Declaration on cultural and intellectual property rights of indigenous peoples.