Cultural inclusion, Te Tiriti, and AI
Tertiary education in Aotearoa must reflect and uphold cultural identity.
This section shares resources developed with Māori and Pacific educators to ensure AI tools align with te Tiriti o Waitangi and community values. You’ll find guidance on culturally safe design, questions for talanoa, and ways to embed tikanga and language into AI-powered education.
| At the bottom of the page are some questions that you can use as a starting point for discussions about AI or where to go next with integrating GenAI tools into your own teaching practice. |
AI should reflect the people it serves
In Aotearoa, education must reflect and uphold the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the cultural identities of all learners. As AI tools become more common, we need to ensure they don’t just work — they work in the right way. That means tools and teaching practices that value tikanga Māori, Pacific knowledge systems, and diverse learner voices.
Cultural safety in the age of AI
Many AI tools are built on global datasets — which can carry biases, gaps, or assumptions. If we use these tools without care, we risk reinforcing inequities. But when guided by kaupapa Māori and inclusive values, AI can be a powerful ally for revitalisation, reflection, and relational learning.
Educators are already exploring how AI can:
- Support language revitalisation in Te Reo Māori and Pacific languages
- Encourage talanoa and wānanga-based inquiry using AI-generated prompts
- Embed cultural values into classroom AI activities
It's not just about what AI can do — it’s about how and why we use it in ways that honour our commitments to mana ōrite, kaitiakitanga, and ako.
Tools are not neutral — but they can be taught to care
Start by asking:
- Does this tool reflect my learners’ worlds?
- How do I involve whānau or community in conversations about AI?
- What tikanga or protocols should guide this use?
AI doesn’t need to erase culture — it can uplift it, when used with intention.
Where to now?
Consider these questions to inform your next steps with GenAI tools.
Educator:
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How can I ensure my use of AI aligns with kaupapa Māori values and supports cultural revitalisation? |
Team Leader / Manager:
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Are we creating space for Māori and Pacific educators to lead the conversation about culturally grounded AI use? |
Governance / Policy Role:
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Have we embedded Te Tiriti o Waitangi and data sovereignty into our AI strategy at all levels? |
All:
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What does culturally responsive AI look like—not just in principle, but in practice? |
Want to explore more?
Practical tips | AI, culture, and inclusion — A guide for educators
This page supports educators in using AI in ways that are culturally sustaining, inclusive, and grounded in Aotearoa values.
Embedding AI use that reflects Te Tiriti, upholds equity, and honours diverse voices.