The Maori statistics framework: A tool for indigenous peoples development

Abstract

The Maori Statistics Framework (MSF) is a tool developed by Statistics New Zealand. This tool is known as He Arotahi Tatauranga. While it is a general resource for those working in the area of statistics for and about New Zealand's indigenous population (Maori) it is intended to be to be used primarily by Maori to organise and use their information in a way that supports their development and well-being consistent with their aspirations as a people. The MSF has been derived from a conceptual paper that the project team then used to create a unique tool. Because the aims and concepts of the MSF come from the Maori view of well-being it can be used to define statistics from this viewpoint. The MSF also helps users understand the difference between traditional statistics that measure Maori from a standard approach and how to measure from a Maori perspective. The MSF tool is an Excel spreadsheet with accompanying guidance and supplementary information in attached Word documents. The users of the MSF are guided in a transparent manner through: - How they can build their own information management system from a Maori perspective; - How to think statistically about the concepts and topics relevant to Maori development from a Maori viewpoint; - How to identify what type of measurement(s) would suit the user; - Whether or not an indicator already exists that could be used for such measurement.