Te Ao Mārama

Te Ao Mārama Resources

Building on the foundations established through Whaia Te Tika, the Te Ao Mārama workshop series supports participants to move from understanding Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles to confidently applying them in research, practice, and decision-making. Delivered across two sessions, the series explores six key themes: partnership, active protection, tino rangatiratanga, Māori data sovereignty, options, and equity.

Participants will strengthen their ability to apply a Te Tiriti lens to their work, embedding these principles into research planning, engagement processes, and organisational practice. Through practical discussion and reflection, the workshops examine how meaningful partnerships with Māori communities can be fostered, how Māori rights and aspirations can be upheld, and how culturally responsive approaches can contribute to more equitable outcomes.

The series also deepens participants' understanding of Māori data sovereignty and the governance of Māori data, providing practical tools and approaches that support accountability, participation, and shared decision-making. By translating principles into practice, participants will build the confidence and capability to create lasting, positive change within their organisations and alongside Māori communities.

Applying Te Tiriti Principles To Strengthen Relationships|Research|Impact

From Principles To Practice: Partnership

Breaking the status quo begins with cultural confidence—grounded in awareness of your position, not just your intention.
Silence, comfort, and “business as usual” continue inequity.
Understanding is not optional — it is the foundation of culturally safe practice.

From Principles To Practice: Active Protection

More than individual prejudice
Racism occurs when prejudice is combined with power.
Racism is not just about individual attitudes-it is also about how systems distribute power, opportunity, and resources.

From Principles To Practice: Tino Rangatiratanga

Māori authority is expressed through relationships, decision-making, and accountability.
Presence → Power → Authority → Tino Rangatiratanga
To be culturally competent, or not-that is the question; the answer is seen in how we uphold Māori authority

Applying Te Tiriti Principles To Strengthen Relationships|Research|Impact

From Principles To Practice: Māori Data Sovereignty

Governance is the mechanism. Sovereignty is the outcome.
Māori data governance gives practical effect to Māori authority over Māori data.
The key question is not who holds the information, but who holds the authority to decide what happens to it.

From Principles To Practice: Options

Choice is more than access
When systems remain invisible, inequity remains unchanged
Options is not about access to the same process - it is about having processes that fit the people.

From Principles To Practice: Equity

Recognising racism is the first step; responding to it is the responsibility.
Research is not neutral; it reflects the values and assumptions of those who conduct it.
Equity requires more than understanding the problem—it requires changing the conditions that create it.

RESOURCES

Te Ao Mārama Resource Package

Te Pae Mahutonga Framework

Data Sovereignty Te Tiriti o Waitangi Framework

Kaupapa Māori Principles Framework

Te Tiriti o Waitangi Care Planning Framework

He Korowai Oranga Framework

Te Whare Tapa Wha Framework

Government & Māori Frameworks

He Mana To Tiriti Research Planning Framework

He aha te kai ō te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero
What is the food of the leader? It is knowledge, it is communication, it is discussion