Last week (Feb 2024), Te Ao Matihiko led a pivotal workshop at Tangaroa College – the Rangatahi Māori Anamata Wānanga. Attended by students from six schools, this DigiTech Futures Workshop was a profound journey into the possible futures of our digital world, facilitated by Pera Barrett and myself. It was an exploration guided by the Māori Futures Framework, Tokona Te Raki: Te Korekoreka, emphasising the importance of futures tools and thinking.
Our goal was to gather, amplify, and guide ideas to influence our collective journey within the digital realm. The rangatahi participated in exercises across different realms – Te Ao Tūroa, Te Kore, Te Pō, and Te Ao Marama, each offering unique perspectives and insights.
A significant aspect of the workshop was the exploration of three future scenarios:
- Status Quo: Our youth expressed concerns about the repercussions of inaction. They feared a future marked by inadequate access to technology, rising addiction to online platforms, cyberbullying, social and economic disparities, and the erosion of indigenous and Pacifica rights and values.
- The Dark Future – The ‘Hard No’s’: This scenario depicted a world dominated by AI, leading to job loss and control issues. Personalised crimes, substance abuse, cyberbullying with tragic outcomes, lawlessness, and the perpetuation of negative intergenerational cycles were key concerns. They worried about losing cultural identity, encountering negative online experiences, mental health issues, and drifting away from real-life connections.
- The Preferred Future: Our rangatahi envisioned a future that holds onto values of fun, joy, and genuine connections. They saw technology as a tool for positive engagement rather than dominance, emphasising equality and access to opportunities. Their future involved a society free from depression, poverty, racism, and vaping in schools. It was a vision where Aotearoa (New Zealand) respects Pacifica and Māori cultures, upholds Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and strengthens indigenous rights and land ownership. They aspired for a future with enhanced technology usage that creates unlimited pathways, high-paying jobs, and a focus on interests beyond smartphones. This future also emphasised environmental sustainability, business opportunities for youth, and global unity.
This workshop was not just a discussion about possible futures; it was a powerful statement from our youth about their hopes, fears, and aspirations in the digital age. Their voices will now be presented to Māori Leaders in DigiTech and Innovation, serving as a foundation for exploring and creating adaptable strategies for Māori in the digital landscape of Aotearoa.
As we reflect on the insights shared by these young minds, it’s evident that their vision for the future is deeply rooted in values, cultural preservation, and equitable access to technology. It’s a reminder that our role in shaping the digital future must be guided by these principles to create a world that is inclusive, respectful, and beneficial for all.