Category: Latest News

About the Author
Dr Jacinta Fa’alili-Fidow is one of the General Manager’s of Moana Connect and a leading advocate for Pacific health and data sovereignty. She was invited by the Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation to share her insights on the future of Pacific data, artificial intelligence, and the importance of Pacific leadership in this space.

Pacific Data as Living Taonga
Data is a living taonga that reflects and derives from our history, present realities, and future aspirations (Moana Research, 2021). For Pacific peoples, data is much more than numbers—it is broad, nuanced, and deeply connected to our values and relationships.

What Does Pacific Data Sovereignty Mean?
Pacific data sovereignty is about more than just protection and participation in data processes. It seeks to address historic gaps by centring Pacific voices and perspectives, enabling transformative decision-making and positive change. As Dr ‘Ana Taufeulungaki said at the first Pacific Data Sovereignty seminar in 2019:

“Data Sovereignty is not just about ownership of the collection, storage, retrieval, accessibility, application and dissemination of individual groups and cultural information. It is about taking charge of our own destiny.”

This vision ensures all Pacific peoples are seen, heard, and able to thrive in today’s and tomorrow’s society.

AI and the Pacific: Challenges and Opportunities
With artificial intelligence, the future is already here. In 2024, the Pacific Data Sovereignty Committee brought together Pacific digital leaders to discuss the impact of AI on our communities. Speakers such as Nu’uali’i Eteroa Lafaele and Dr Karaitiana Taiuru emphasised the need for Pacific expertise early in AI development and called for investment in digital skills and training, so our communities aren’t left behind. Business leaders Peter Lucas-Jones (Te Hiku Media) and Luke Fitzgerald (Frankly AI) highlighted AI’s potential to empower Pacific and Māori communities, especially in health, and stressed the importance of seizing economic opportunities through tech training. Amy Dove (Deloitte) spoke about busting myths around AI, while also acknowledging the risks, such as bias in data.

Collective Action for the Future
Balancing risks and opportunities in a fast-changing digital environment is challenging. The Pacific Data Sovereignty Committee remains committed to collective action—promoting accountability and ethics, protecting cultural knowledge, and seeking investment in capability building, especially for our youth. By combining Artificial Intelligence with Ancestral Intelligence, we can ensure Pacific communities are ready to face both the threats and opportunities that digital advances bring.

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The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the way Pacific communities think about data, culture, and traditional knowledge. At the Moana Talks webinar event on Pacific Data Sovereignty and AI hosted by Moana Connect and Facilitated by Chairperson of PDS Ivan Tava on November 13th 2024. Key Pacific AI leaders gathered to discuss how Pacific values and cultural practices can shape the future of AI and data ownership.

Key insights from the event:

• Community-first AI: AI systems must align with Pacific values, prioritizing local control and cultural preservation.
• Traditional knowledge as data: Viewing language and customs as data highlights the need for ethical management and protection against exploitation.
• Empowering communities through open-source tools: Accessible technologies can help Pacific technologists develop culturally tailored AI solutions.
• Bridging the digital divide: Education and engagement are vital for equipping Pacific communities to harness AI responsibly.

With the Pacific AI Summit 2025 on the horizon, the conversation continues. By centering Pacific voices and values, we can build a digital future that strengthens our cultural identity.

For a deeper dive into these discussions and the path ahead, read the full blog post here at the Culture and Design Lab. If you would like to watch the webinar, find the full Moana Talks Webinar here.

On 2 October 2024, the Fale o Samoa in Māngere was alive with conversation and collaboration during the Pacific Data Sovereignty AI Workshop. The event, themed “Preserving our heritage in the light of innovation,” brought together Pacific leaders and AI experts to explore the impact of AI on Pacific data sovereignty and to develop guidelines for navigating this evolving digital landscape.

A key focus of the workshop was addressing the knowledge gap around AI in Pacific communities. Participants shared insights and experiences through Table Talanoa sessions, fostering rich dialogue and learning. Inspiring keynote speeches highlighted the importance of aligning technological progress with Pacific values, while networking opportunities encouraged collaboration to shape the future of data sovereignty.

We extend our gratitude to the University of Auckland and the Auckland Bioengineering Institute for supporting this important event.

The conversation does not stop here. Upcoming events include the second Pacific Data Sovereignty AI Workshop on 20 October 2024, an online webinar on 13 November 2024, and the International Pacific Data Sovereignty AI Summit in May 2025.

Together, Pacific communities are forging a future where data is respected, protected, and guided by collective values.

The signing of three separate memorandum of understanding yesterday by Stats NZ, the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, and the Pacific Data Sovereignty Network marks an important step in the right direction for driving positive outcomes for Pacific communities through data.

“Data, in particular quality data, is a vital asset that has the potential to positively impact the lives of all New Zealanders,” says Government Statistician and Stats NZ Chief Executive Mark Sowden.

“We understand that behind every number and statistic are real people with their own stories to tell – it’s crucial that we are doing everything we can to capture and understand the experiences of our Pacific communities in official data and statistics.”

“This signing commits all three parties to long-term work programmes that acknowledge the value of the Pacific voice in the data system. Nothing about us, as Pacific peoples, can be done without us,” says Pacific Data Sovereignty Network Chair Ivan Tava.

“The network celebrates a collaborative initial focus on securing higher response rates and engaging network members in the value of data among Pacific communities in Census 2023. This ensures our people are properly counted, and therefore represented, in our biggest national survey.”

Secretary for Pacific Peoples Laulu Mac Leauanae adds, “The partnerships formalised are significant in progressing critical work with the Pacific Data Sovereignty Network on the Long-Term Insights Briefing that the Ministry is leading on the topic Improving Pacific data equity – opportunities to enhance the future of Pacific wellbeing”.

“Further, our MoU with Stats NZ is a crucial milestone in supporting Pacific peoples’ participation in the 2023 Census, as well as strengthening our shared relationship across key data issues for our communities.”

Stats NZ, the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, and the Pacific Data Sovereignty Network are committed to building enduring relationships to harness the power of data for Pacific communities. This signing formalises our dedication to work for and alongside Pacific peoples in Aotearoa.

About Stats NZ

Stats NZ Tatauranga Aotearoa is New Zealand’s official data agency. We collect information from people and organisations through censuses and surveys. We use this information to publish insights and data about and for New Zealand, and support others to use the data.

About the Ministry for Pacific Peoples

The Ministry for Pacific Peoples is the Crown’s principal advisor on policies and interventions aimed at improving outcomes for Pacific peoples in Aotearoa. By using our extensive networks with Pacific communities across the country, as well as our knowledge and understanding of Pacific people, cultures, and values, we influence public policy, programme and service decisions affecting Pacific Aotearoa. 

About the Pacific Data Sovereignty Network

The Pacific Data Sovereignty Network was established in November 2019. We aim to establish a unified voice and collective guardianship and advocacy of data and information about Pacific peoples living in New Zealand. The Pacific Data Sovereignty Network is led by a committee consisting of 12 independent representatives from across the Pacific network and ex-officio members representing government agencies such as the Ministry for Pacific Peoples and Statistics New Zealand. 

Source- Stats NZ Media Release