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Maori in New Zealand now have an advantage with a new AI software that can translate text to and from Te Reo Maori. Can this be applied elsewhere?
Introduction:
As artificial intelligence and quantum tech shape our world, Māori voices are leading the charge to ensure that these developments align with their cultural values, reports The Spinoff. Te Hiku Media, a pioneering Māori organization, launched a groundbreaking AI tool last year that transcribes te reo Māori with 92% accuracy. This is a critical step in reclaiming control over Māori language data, which has been frequently mistranslated by overseas AI tools. For Māori, the question isn’t just technical—it’s cultural. Who should control the digital future of Māori knowledge: global tech giants, governments, or Māori communities themselves?
Māori Innovation in the Digital World
The growing role of Māori in technology is reshaping how AI is developed, especially concerning data sovereignty. Māori businesses contributed $1.6 billion to the economy in 2024, with over 3,400 Māori-run companies now integrating digital tools to reflect te ao Māori. However, the intersection of AI and quantum computing raises concerns about the potential risks to data security, as quantum computers could easily break current encryption standards. Jannat Maqbool, the executive director of the NZ Artificial Intelligence Researchers Association, highlights that the rapid adoption of AI must be met with caution, ensuring it doesn’t exacerbate existing inequities or create new harms for vulnerable communities.
Cultural Sovereignty and AI
Kevin Shedlock (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Porou, Whakatōhea), a computer science lecturer, warns that AI lacks an understanding of respect for Māori culture, which is deeply embedded in ceremonial practices like pōwhiri. Unlike many AI tools that scrape public data, Te Hiku’s AI models are built exclusively from consented Māori language material, ensuring that contributors retain ownership. This model protects cultural data and ensures that it cannot be used for surveillance or discriminatory purposes.
Editor’s Comment:
Māori weaving their wisdom into AI like it’s digital whakapapa—now that’s a power move! It’s good to see AI respecting tikanga and ensuring Māori culture isn’t lost in the tech race. I’m excited to see how Māori values continue to shape our future digital landscape.
(Visit The Spinoff for the full story)
*An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.
