In a ground-breaking partnership, Ngāti Apakura and Stats NZ are working together to harness the power of data to help rebuild connections with whānau scattered across the motu (country).

This collaboration represents more than a data collection project. It is about restoring the ties that bind a people whose history has been marked by displacement, resilience, and an unwavering hold on identity.

The story of Ngāti Apakura is one of both loss and strength. Through historical displacement, whānau were taken in by neighbouring iwi across Te Ika-a-Māui (North Island). Many descendants today do not even know Apakura is an iwi. Yet despite generations of separation and the absorption into other tribal structures, the mana of Ngāti Apakura has endured.

That enduring identity was powerfully demonstrated in the 2023 Census. 300 people took the initiative to write in their Apakura whakapapa even though Ngāti Apakura was not listed as an Iwi. Something Apakura Rūnanga Trust is working on changing.

Barlow Toi Anderson, General Manager of Apakura Rūnanga Trust, said that this is a testament to the strength of their whakapapa even in the face of historical hardship.

"For so long, our people have been invisible in official records," says Barlow. "To see whānau take the step to write in Ngāti Apakura as their Iwi in the Census - that tells us our people never forgot who they are or where they come from. They've carried that identity through generations, even when the systems didn't recognise us. This partnership with Stats NZ is about making sure we're never invisible again."

The partnership between Ngāti Apakura and Stats NZ goes beyond simply identifying where whānau are located. It is about empowering the iwi with the skills and tools to manage their own data, make informed decisions, and shape their future on their own terms.

As part of a two-year data work programme, Stats NZ will work alongside Ngāti Apakura to build capability in data collection, management, and analysis. This includes developing surveys to engage with whānau, establishing systems for data governance that respect tikanga and data sovereignty, and transferring analytical skills that will enable the iwi to use data as a strategic tool.

"We're not just learning how to use data - we're learning how to control our own narrative, Anderson said. "For too long, others have told our story. This partnership gives us the tools to gather our own information, make our own decisions, and determine our own future. That's what data sovereignty means to us."

The goal is clear: to identify others who whakapapa to Ngāti Apakura, where they live, and how many whānau there are. From there, the iwi can begin the work of reconnection, building a tribal database that reflects the true reach and strength of their people.

"Working with Stats NZ means we can access the analytical expertise and tools we need without giving up control," Barlow explained. "They're helping us create baselines around issues like income, housing, and health for our whānau. But this is our data, our people, our future. We're building the capability to be self-sufficient in managing our information and making strategic decisions that truly meet the needs of our people.”

Ngāti Apakura has online and in person hui scheduled for March for whānau to connect and learn more about their whakapapa and what is happening within the Iwi.

“We encourage whānau to connect in with Ngāti Apakura, learn more about who you are and where you come from. Nau mai whānau” says Barlow.

About Ngāti Apakura:

Ngāti Apakura is an iwi with a history marked by displacement and resilience. Despite historical challenges that saw whānau scattered and absorbed into neighbouring iwi, Ngāti Apakura continues to maintain its distinct identity and mana. The iwi is currently engaged in a reconciliation process with the Crown and working to reconnect with uri across Aotearoa. There are also upcoming online hui and kanohi ki te kanohi hui scheduled for March, where whānau will have the chance to connect and share whakaaro on the next steps forward for Ngāti Apakura. Details on these online hui will be posted on the Ngāti Apakura website and Facebook page. All uri o Ngāti Apakura are encouraged to attend these informative wānanga and share valuable feedback on the future of the iwi. Details on these hui will be advertised on the below website and Facebook pages.

www.ngatiapakura.co.nz

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