Tangata Whenua, Tangata Moana, Tangata Tiriti and the Vā space with Shane Ta’ala Tangata

Nau mai haere mai to this Practice Foundations Session Tangata Whenua, Tangata Moana, Tangata Tiriti and the Vā space with Shane Ta’ala, Principal Design Advisor Māori, within Insights and Statistics at Statistics NZ. As a thought leader within the organisation, his role is to advance iwi-Māori data aspirations through data system architecture design that enables a mutuality between Te Ao Pakeha and Te Ao Māori through Te Tiriti o Waitangi. 

Prior to his work at Statistics NZ, Shane held various roles with the Auckland Council, working in Operations Division (delivery), Governance Division (decision making) and finally, the Chief Planning Office (strategy, planning and policy development). Previously Shane has worked in both the public and private sectors in NZ and the United States. His broad experience has been in the areas of community and economic development, public policy and technology development in the US Defence industry through the Cedar Band of Paiutes (Tribal Reservation Corporation). 

As a Samoan, he is drawn towards and inspired by Te Ao Māori / Te Ao Marama, his Aiga, and his whānau of the Awa (Ngā Paerangi and Ngāti Hineoneone) who have awhied him throughout his life to work in a way that serves Māoridom and honours the origins of Tangata Whenua and Tangata Moana. This has been a large part of his passion and focus throughout his time at the Auckland Council and with Central Government.