Matariki meets AI – Community-first innovation
Today AwhiWorld had the privilege of spending Matariki Holiday at a powerful community gathering at the Whānau Focus Centre in Tūnatahi (Dargaville). We delivered a talk and set up an installation on artificial intelligence in communities.
It was part of a wider kaupapa that was empowering whānau through education on starting small businesses, the importance of participating in elections, and ways people are countering local challenges with proactive solutions.
Our Great AI was renamed (by the staff of the centre) Waitī (after one of the Matariki stars). During the main event, we delivered a short kōrero on the potential (and risks) of AI and its rollout in our communities. We explored how these tools might be (should be) used in ways that reflect the values, strengths, and collective aspirations of groups and also what community workers needed to be aware of in terms of potential impact on their constituent groups.
Our presence was part of our ongoing action research through the Strange Intelligences Lab and our AI Literacy Northland initiative – both focused on accessible, ethical, and culturally grounded approaches to AI.
Throughout the day, we had one-on-one conversations with whānau about digital tools for small businesses and grassroots innovation. It was a warm, hopeful space grounded in real potential for change.
Deep thanks to Elana Rahui of Te Hā Oranga / Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua whose vision and support made this possible. Elena is a visionary leader committed to health and well-being through education and empowerment.
We were very warmly welcomed and hosted by Whanau Focus Centre’s Josephine Nathan – another great community leader, host (and hopefully successful Kaipara Council candidate!) Thanks also to Mel and the other whanau who awhi that organisation and gave us lovely food for our tummies and our soul during the day.
Matariki is a time to reflect, connect, and plant seeds for the future. We were honoured to stand alongside others doing just that.
hashtagAwhiWorld hashtagTheGreatAI hashtagStrangeIntelligencesLab hashtagAILiteracyNorthland hashtagMatariki2025 hashtagDigitalEquity hashtagCommunityInnovation hashtagTeHaOranga hashtagRunangaNgatiWhatua hashtagKaipara hashtagWhanauFocus hashtagAIForCommunity
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This event was funded by Te Hā Oranga / Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua
Research for this event emerged from within AwhiWorld’s Strange Intelligences Lab and is part of a wider AI Literacy Northland Initiative
