Te Ara Matihiko, led by Dr Hazel Abraham (Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Whakatōhea, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Rangitihi), advances responsible and human-centred approaches to artificial intelligence (AI) by addressing the link between digital access and health inequities for Māori and Pacific communities. The programme centres Indigenous knowledge, whānau engagement, and early intervention to create culturally grounded pathways into AI, immersive media, and STEAM education.
Grounded in tikanga and Indigenous data sovereignty, the research applies a structured mixed-methods approach in partnership with over 150 groups. Through co-design, it develops AI-powered storytelling platforms, immersive technologies (AR/VR), digital literacy tools, and wellbeing applications. These outputs prioritise fairness, transparency, accountability, and cultural responsiveness in AI design and use.
Te Ara Matihiko contributes to the ethical AI research agenda by critically examining how AI systems are developed and governed, ensuring they align with human values, promote equity, protect community data, and support inclusive, sustainable innovation for under-represented communities.
Lead:
Dr Hazel Abraham
Additional title/details:
Royal Society Mana Tūapapa Future Leaders Research Fellow: Hazel Abraham