Governance packs
Governance packs turn GIS work into something that supports decisions. The audience is usually trustees, directors, committee members, and senior staff. They need clarity, context, and confidence, not every layer and every attribute.
In Māori contexts, publishing for governance also carries kaupapa. A map can hold mana, kōrero, and responsibility. It can also travel further than intended once it is in a pack.
If a map could be forwarded outside the room, design it so it still makes sense and still protects what needs protecting.
## What “good” looks like
A governance map should:
- answer one question clearly
- show only the detail needed for the decision
- make uncertainty visible (indicative, draft, incomplete, date ranges)
- avoid false precision, especially around boundaries and sensitive locations
- include enough context to prevent misinterpretation (purpose, date, sources)
## Start with a purpose statement
Write a one sentence purpose statement and include it near the map.
Examples:
- This map supports governance discussion about priority areas for mahi this quarter.
- This map summarises known information and is not an operational layer.
- This map shows indicative areas for kōrero with partners, not final boundaries.
## Map types that work well in packs
Common patterns that stay readable in board papers:
- an overview map (where are we)
- one decision map (what is changing, what needs a decision)
- a risk or constraint map (what to watch)
- an options map (A, B, C, with clear differences)
Keep each map to one main message. If you need multiple messages, use multiple maps.
## Sensitive information and tikanga
If the map includes wāhi tapu, wāhi tūpuna, mahinga kai, threatened species locations, or other taonga information, treat publishing as a tikanga decision, not a technical step.
Approaches that often work for governance packs:
- remove exact points and use wider areas
- use grids or zones rather than coordinates
- show relative patterns, not precise locations
- use labels like “restricted location” rather than site names
- move sensitive detail to a restricted appendix, or do a verbal briefing instead
If a point location could enable harm, remove it or generalise it. Make the pack map safe for copying.
## A practical pack layout
A simple structure that works for most governance papers:
1) Purpose and what decision is needed
2) One key map (with legend, date, and sources)
3) What changed since last time (short list)
4) Risks and limitations (short list)
5) Next steps and who is responsible
6) Appendix maps (only if needed)
## Checks before you export or share
Use this checklist every time.
Content and intent:
- Purpose statement is present and matches the paper
- The map answers one question
- Audience is clear (trustees, staff, partners, public)
Accuracy and trust:
- Data sources listed (at least the main ones)
- Data dates are shown where it matters
- Obvious errors checked (wrong layer, wrong projection, missing labels)
- Limits stated (indicative, draft, gaps, assumptions)
Safety and tikanga:
- Sensitive locations are masked, generalised, or removed
- The map does not reveal private access routes, gates, or vulnerabilities
- Sharing level is clear (internal, restricted, public)
- Approval is recorded (who said yes)
Usability:
- Readable at A4 (or whatever size the pack prints to)
- Labels are not tiny
- Legend is short and clear
- Colours have enough contrast
File handling:
- Filename includes date and version (for example 2026-02-05_v1)
- Old versions are not left in shared folders without context
- A PDF is used for packs unless there is a clear reason not to
## Versioning and sign-off
Governance maps live longer than you expect. Put dates and versions on the map itself, not just in the filename. If the map is updated later, include a short “what changed” note so people can track the kōrero over time.
## Useful public references
- Te Mana Raraunga: Māori Data Sovereignty Network (home)
[https://www.temanararaunga.maori.nz/](https://www.temanararaunga.maori.nz/)
- Te Mana Raraunga Charter (PDF)
[https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58e9b10f9de4bb8d1fb5ebbc/t/5913020d15cf7dde1df34482/1494417935052/Te%2BMana%2BRaraunga%2BCharter%2B%28Final%2B%26%2BApproved%29.pdf](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/58e9b10f9de4bb8d1fb5ebbc/t/5913020d15cf7dde1df34482/1494417935052/Te%2BMana%2BRaraunga%2BCharter%2B%28Final%2B%26%2BApproved%29.pdf)
- Principles of Māori Data Sovereignty (PDF)
[https://www.otago.ac.nz/\_\_data/assets/pdf\_file/0014/321044/tmr-maori-data-sovereignty-principles-october-2018-832194.pdf](https://www.otago.ac.nz/\_\_data/assets/pdf\_file/0014/321044/tmr-maori-data-sovereignty-principles-october-2018-832194.pdf)
- LINZ: Licensing and using data (useful for attribution and reuse notes)
[https://www.linz.govt.nz/products-services/data/licensing-and-using-data](https://www.linz.govt.nz/products-services/data/licensing-and-using-data)
- NZGOAL overview (government open licensing guidance, useful when you publish publicly)
[https://www.data.govt.nz/manage-data/policies/nzgoal](https://www.data.govt.nz/manage-data/policies/nzgoal)