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Māori Perspectives & Traditional Structures

Historical Context and Evolution​

  • The migration from the Pacific and settlement of Aotearoa
  • The development of distinct Māori identity and social structures
  • The impact of colonization on traditional governance
  • The resilience and adaptation of traditional structures

Traditional Social Organization​

Whānau (Family Units)​

  • Extended family groups as the foundation of society
  • Shared resources and collective decision-making
  • Intergenerational knowledge transfer
  • Role of kaumātua and kuia in guidance

Hapū (Sub-tribes)​

  • Groups of related whānau
  • Territorial management and resource allocation
  • Collective decision-making processes
  • Role of rangatira in leadership

Iwi (Tribes)​

  • Confederation of hapū
  • Strategic decision-making
  • Resource management at scale
  • Cultural preservation and development

Waka (Canoe Groups)​

  • Historical connections and relationships
  • Inter-tribal cooperation
  • Shared heritage and identity
  • Collaborative governance

Traditional Governance Principles​

Tika (Correctness)​

  • Ensuring decisions are right and proper
  • Alignment with cultural values
  • Consideration of all perspectives
  • Long-term impact assessment

Pono (Integrity)​

  • Honesty in decision-making
  • Transparency in processes
  • Accountability to community
  • Trust-building mechanisms

Aroha (Compassion)​

  • Care for community wellbeing
  • Support for vulnerable members
  • Collective responsibility
  • Sustainable resource management

Cultural Protocols and Decision-Making​

Traditional Decision-Making Processes​

  • Consensus-building through discussion
  • Role of kaumātua in guidance
  • Importance of whakapapa in authority
  • Balance of individual and collective rights

Resource Management​

  • Kaitiakitanga principles
  • Sustainable use of resources
  • Intergenerational planning
  • Collective ownership models

Knowledge Management​

  • Protection of mātauranga
  • Oral tradition preservation
  • Cultural intellectual property
  • Knowledge transfer systems

Integration with Modern Governance​

Hybrid Approaches​

  • Combining traditional and contemporary structures
  • Digital tools supporting cultural practices
  • Maintaining cultural integrity
  • Adapting to modern challenges

Community Engagement​

  • Inclusive decision-making
  • Youth and elder participation
  • Urban and rural connection
  • Diaspora involvement

Economic Development​

  • Sustainable business models
  • Cultural enterprise support
  • Community wealth building
  • Traditional resource utilization

Key Considerations for Digital Implementation​

Cultural Preservation​

  • Protecting traditional knowledge
  • Maintaining cultural protocols
  • Supporting language revitalization
  • Preserving oral traditions

Community Control​

  • Ensuring Māori ownership
  • Protecting cultural IP
  • Maintaining decision-making authority
  • Supporting self-determination

Technical Adaptation​

  • Aligning technology with values
  • Supporting traditional structures
  • Ensuring accessibility
  • Maintaining cultural integrity

Future Development​

  • Intergenerational planning
  • Sustainable growth
  • Cultural continuity
  • Community resilience

This document is a summary of from interviews with Te Ao Maori Cultural Advisors. It it intended to guide the integration of Māori perspectives and traditional structures into Tribal DAO design and governance. It should be adapted and expanded in consultation with your community and cultural leaders.