Our Commitment
We are committed to upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in both the way we work and the insights we deliver. As a research agency, we recognise the importance of honouring the Crown-Māori relationship and ensuring that Māori voices are represented, respected, and visible in the work we do.
Our approach is guided by the three principles of partnership, protection, and participation, and we apply these throughout our research practice.
Partnership
We actively seek engagement with local rūnaka, iwi, or Māori organisations in the areas where we work, and offer opportunities for local Māori partners to provide input into survey design, engagement approaches, and interpretation of findings, especially where the subject matter relates to Māori wellbeing, identity, or inclusion.
Where a client, particularly in the public sector, has an established relationship with mana whenua or iwi, we will respect that relationship and follow their lead in determining how engagement should be coordinated.
Where appropriate, we aim to hold at least one formal kōrero with a local Māori partner during our research engagements, with additional hui offered where needed (for example, to support cognitive testing or review of culturally relevant content).
Protection
We apply Māori Data Sovereignty (Te Mana Raraunga) principles when collecting, analysing, and reporting data from Māori participants. This means being transparent about how Māori data is used, ensuring appropriate consent, and avoiding any use that misrepresents or distorts Māori perspectives. We report Māori outcomes separately where the data supports this, rather than folding them into aggregate results that can obscure important patterns.
Our reporting avoids deficit framing and instead supports strengths-based analysis wherever possible. We take care when reporting on sensitive topics such as identity, wellbeing, or service equity. Where there is uncertainty, we will seek guidance from local advisors to ensure cultural safety and accuracy.
Participation
Māori representation is built into our research methodology from the outset. We design our sampling frameworks to reflect local Māori population profiles, and we apply weighting accordingly. During fieldwork, we monitor Māori response rates in real time and adapt outreach strategies if needed to support equitable participation.
Our surveys are designed to be inclusive and accessible, with plain language, mobile-optimised layouts, and culturally appropriate visual elements where appropriate. Where questions relate to kaupapa Māori or identity, we aim to involve Māori participants in pilot testing or content review to ensure relevance and clarity.
Continuous Learning
We are continuously building our internal capability to uphold our Treaty responsibilities. This includes:
- Cultural competency training for all research staff
- Ongoing input from local Māori advisors, rūnaka, or iwi representatives specific to the communities we are working with
- We maintain internal Treaty Practice Guidelines to support consistent, respectful delivery of all research involving Māori or kaupapa Māori content
As a trans-Tasman agency, our commitment to Indigenous partnership spans both Aotearoa and Australia. You can read more about our commitment to First Nations Peoples here.
This statement is a living document. We will continue to review and strengthen our commitment as our partnerships grow and our understanding deepens.
