LINZ data helps connect Māori to their whakapapa and whenua

Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) data is being used to help Māori reconnect with their whenua and whakapapa through a new app.  

The app, known as Kari, was developed by Victoria University in collaboration with the Māori land incorporation, Parininihi ki Waitōtara (PKW).

The innovative project, Kimihia te Matangaro, is part of the Science for Technological Innovation National Science Challenge.

The app uses publicly available property data from LINZ, Māori Land Court, Births, Deaths and Marriages Historical Records and Cenotaph to identify specific names relating to whenua.

The project seeks to empower Māori to reconnect with long lost whanau, identify if they are a shareholder or landowner, process successions, and reconnect with their history. Through this process, it aims to increase economic, social, cultural prosperity and spiritual wellbeing.  

LINZ Hoa Kōtui Hononga Matua / Senior Relationship Partner Nicola Short has been involved throughout the project since its inception three years ago.  

She says the project is a great example of how LINZ data can be used to create tools to reconnect people with their history and build a sense of belonging.  

“I look forward to seeing the impact the app will have on Māori communities.”

To find out more, visit the Victoria University website: Kimihia te Matangaro where you can watch a video and hear from the project team about the innovative app.