Aotearoa’s digital future is being shaped not just by cutting-edge technology, but by culturally grounded minds who ensure innovation serves te reo Māori, tikanga and Māori communities. At the forefront of this movement is Professor Te Taka Keegan – celebrated as the first Māori Professor of Computer Science at the University of Waikato and a visionary in Indigenous-focused technology.
Professor Keegan’s journey blends deep cultural insight with world-class technical expertise, from early work translating major computing systems into te reo Māori, to developing AI-driven language tools that support Māori language revitalisation and empower iwi to build technology on their own terms.
Listen to our interview with Professor Te Taka Keegan here:
https://waateanews.com/2025/12/01/te-taka-keegan-first-maori-professor-of-computer-science-at-the-university-of-waikato/
In the interview, Keegan talks about why technology must be shaped through a Māori lens – ensuring that advances like artificial intelligence (AI) aren’t just technically excellent, but aligned with kaupapa and tikanga Māori. He highlights that creating tools and systems rooted in Māori values helps support te reo Māori use in everyday life and ensures Indigenous voices are influential in the digital world.
Keegan’s work includes teaching and research, but also practical innovations such as AI language tools that reflect Māori dialects and protect Māori data sovereignty – an emerging priority as global tech rapidly advances. Maori-led technology projects are starting to give iwi the ability to develop digital voices, language interfaces and intelligent systems that resonate with their communities.
His appointment as the first Māori Professor of Computer Science at the University of Waikato is a milestone not only for Māori in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), but for all of Aotearoa, as it signals a growing recognition that cultural values and worldviews are crucial to shaping future technologies.
Professor Keegan’s vision extends beyond code – he sees technology as a tool for strengthening language, enhancing cultural expression and promoting Māori leadership on the global stage. As AI becomes ever more central to daily life, researchers like him are ensuring that system design, data use and technology policy reflect rights, respect and innovation grounded in te ao Māori.
Stay tuned to Radio Waatea’s #SummerSeries for more stories about Māori achievement, innovation and the future of Aotearoa.
