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Working with iwi, hapū, and whānau

Purpose​

This page provides practical guidance for respectful engagement in Māori GIS projects, with an emphasis on relationships, co design, and long term trust.

Begin with relationships​

Effective mapping starts with people.

  • Take time to understand context and history

  • Be clear about who you represent

  • Listen before proposing solutions

Rushing technical work undermines trust.

Co design over extraction​

GIS should be done with communities.

  • Define questions together

  • Shape outputs collaboratively

  • Share control over decisions

Local knowledge is expertise.

Setting expectations early​

Discuss at the start:

  • Purpose and scope

  • Timeframes

  • Resourcing and constraints

  • Ownership and access

  • What happens when the project ends

Written agreements support clarity.

Respecting diversity​

Māori communities are not uniform.

  • Iwi, hapū, and whānau have different views

  • Internal differences may exist

  • Avoid assuming a single voice

GIS must adapt to local context.

Returning value​

Value may include:

  • Maps and data returned to communities

  • Skills transfer and training

  • Improved decision making

  • Support for local aspirations

Avoid one way data flows.

Maintaining relationships​

Engagement does not end at delivery.

  • Share updates

  • Provide access to outputs

  • Remain available for questions

Trust is built over time.