Five apprentices from across the motu are stepping up to build Māori‑led data capability and strengthen Māori data futures through the He Ara Pūkeko apprenticeship.
He Ara Pūkeko is one of seven initiatives developed by Te Kāhui Raraunga as part of Te Mana Whakatipu – a programme designed to build Iwi Māori data capability and capacity.
The apprentices will embark on a five-month journey to grow their data analysis skills, use ofmātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) in data, and tirohanga Māori (Māori perspectives) within data.
Pūkeko Tamar Fitzgerald (Tūhourangi), an experienced Data and Systems Co-ordinator, was drawn to He Ara Pūkeko because of its te ao Māori approach to data.
“You can look online anywhere and see the word ‘data’, but it’s rare to see any with kaupapa Māori involved. It’s unique to have that mātauranga Māori lens.
“Working with data is what drew me to He Ara Pūkeko, but it was the kaupapa Māori that grabbed me.”
Tamar says Māori data governance is crucial for positive outcomes for Māori.
“When we have control over our story, we can control what narrative is being told, and we can support our people in the best way with best practice.
“I hope that by being a part of this apprenticeship I learn how to take better care of our data.”
Fellow Pūkeko, Janie Ale, (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Whātua, Ngai Te Rangi), is going into the programme with the aim of giving back to her hāpori through data education.
A former teacher and digital marketer, Janie says it is important for Iwi Māori to be more exposed to the whakaaro and kaupapa of Māori data governance.
“When we nurture our data, and it’s in the right hands, we can expand and revitalise who we are as Māori and reclaim that in a way that’s really positive.”
Having recently completed Te Tohu Paetahi through Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato, Janie says He Ara Pūkeko is the next step in her journey of reclaiming her cultural identity.
“I know that my heart is in the right place to actually be a part of this kaupapa and really put in what I can to give back to our hāpori, whānau, and Iwi.
Both Janie and Tamar are excited to connect with like-minded individuals through the apprenticeship.
“I’m looking forward to meeting people with similar mindsets when it comes to data. You feel like a bit of a nerd talking about it by yourself, so definitely looking forward to connecting with people, and learning different approaches to data,” Tamar says.
Te Kāhui Raraunga Data ILG Lead Technician Kirikowhai Mikaere says the programmeequips tauira with practical data skills while still reflecting the lived realities and aspirations of their whānau, hapū, and iwi.
“Data is a powerful tool for regaining mana motuhake and taking back control of the narrative about our people. Their work will actively contribute to iwi development in real and meaningful ways.”
Te Kāhui Raraunga Chairman, Rahui Papa, says the programme continues to demonstrate the power of iwi-led data and information design.
“He Ara Pūkeko is about more than building technical capability and capacity, it’s about nurturing the next generation of Māori data analysts who understand the whakapapa of data and who can harness it to support their iwi.
“Our apprentices demonstrate that when Māori lead, outcomes are richer and more enduring.”
He Ara Pūkeko launched in 2024 and has seen 13 apprentices complete the programme.