In Aotearoa New Zealand, we have been listening and learning to better understand Māori aspirations when using cloud technology. We have been learning from Māori customers, partners, and advisors who have helped us on this journey. A common theme was how to safeguard Māori data in a digital world. Together with a group of Māori advisers, we are excited to introduce the first iteration of a Māori Data Lens for the AWS Well-Architected Framework. This lens is the first of its kind for AWS globally that focuses on indigenous data, specifically Māori data considerations.

An AWS Well-Architected Framework lens is designed to provide a technology, industry, or domain specific perspective aligned with the AWS Well-Architected Framework. The Māori Data Lens allows customers to apply important Māori data considerations when designing and operating reliable, secure, efficient, and cost-effective systems in the cloud. This lens is designed to be a living resource that can grow and adapt alongside the evolving questions and considerations Māori have about how to secure and protect their data as a taonga (treasure). We hope this lens will be valuable in empowering individuals and organisations to design, build, and operate applications and workloads in the AWS Cloud in ways that can align with Māori values and expectations across the six pillars of the Well-Architected Framework: Operational Excellence, Security, Reliability, Performance Efficiency, Cost Optimization, and Sustainability. These are not a rigid set of rules, but instead a set of guiding principles.

This lens is designed to complement invaluable te ao Māori knowledge and expertise. It’s important to consult, build trust, and reflect Māori voices in digital and technology choices. AWS customers can consult and partner with their Māori customers to build systems in a way that responsibly interact with their Māori data. This lens is a framework of practical questions and considerations. When combined with Māori knowledge and expertise, AWS customers can begin to use cloud technology in a way that empowers adherence to important cultural and ethical dimensions for safeguarding Māori data. As a starting point, we have sought to align the insights shared with us to our AWS best practices for architecting secure, reliable, and cost-effective applications in the AWS Cloud. Together, these guidelines support the durability and protection of Māori data.

At AWS, we have always believed it is essential that our customers have control over their data. We strive to give customers choice in how to secure and manage their data in the cloud in accordance with their needs. This has been true from the very beginning, when we were the only major cloud provider to allow our customers to control the geographic location of their data, never moving customer data without explicit instruction from the customer.

The launch of an AWS Local Zone in Auckland in 2023 and the coming AWS Region in Aotearoa gives all New Zealanders the choice to store their data onshore in Aotearoa New Zealand in the AWS Cloud without compromising on performance, innovation, scale, or security. We also know that some customers have needs that go beyond where their data is stored. We’re committed to expanding our understanding and our capability to help all customers meet their particular needs and best serve their own customers, to protect their data, and to meet legal and regulatory requirements.

Advice and feedback to date has been instrumental in helping to shape this resource, and we are deeply grateful for the ongoing partnership and insights. We recognise there are different perspectives, and that tikanga (protocol/practice) and experience among Māori on this topic continues to evolve. We welcome feedback on enhancing this resource to better serve the needs of our Māori customers and partners. To provide feedback, reach out to us using the feedback feature on the lens document or your local AWS account team.

We’d like to thank AWS partner HTK Group, as well as Māori technology and data experts who advised us on this work including Renata Hakiwai, Lee Timutimu, Nikora Ngaropo, Ngapera Riley, Wade Reweti, Atawhai Tibble and Eli Pohio. In their words:

“In this rapidly evolving digital landscape, the importance of understanding, organising, and harnessing data cannot be overstated. For our Māori communities, this holds even greater significance, as data can be a taonga or a treasure that represents the collective wisdom and knowledge passed down through generations.

Nā tō rourou, nā taku rourou, ka ora ai te iwi. With your food basket and my food basket, the people will thrive.

Mauri ora!”

Read the Māori Data Lens, or contact your AWS account team for more information.