Care for your Collections: Māori Values, Data Sovereignty and Library Systems | NDF25

Aleisha Amohia and Chris Cormack from Catalyst IT present at NDF25.

Abstract:
This presentation explores how Māori values and data sovereignty can reshape our approach to library systems and cultural stewardship.

Through stories from the journey of Koha, the world's first open source library management system (born in Aotearoa), we explore examples of technology embodying kaupapa Māori principles including:

Manaakitanga through its open source sharing model
Kaitiakitanga in managing cultural materials
Whanaungatanga through its global community
Tino rangatiratanga by enabling local control

Our kōrero weaves together:

The origins of Koha and its community-sustained development
Practical examples of how libraries are using Koha to support Māori data sovereignty
Ways libraries are using Koha to support the revitalisation of te reo Māori and cultural resurgence
Opportunities for Māori communities to shape future library technology

This presentation explores how the intersection of the Koha open source community, kaupapa Māori, and Māori data sovereignty creates pathways for:

Community-controlled infrastructure
Protection of mātauranga Māori
Appropriate sharing protocols
Sustainable technological development
Māori technological leadership

By grounding library systems in Māori values and data sovereignty principles, we can create technology that better enables us to serve our communities.