Kuaha Matihiko

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THE KUAHA MATIHIKO-DIGITAL GATEAWAY PROJECT

Derrylea Hardy

Research Officer, Find Data

Dec 26, 2023         /          4 min read

The Kuaha Matihiko Digital Gateway

Introduction to Kuaha Matihiko: Digital Gateway Project

The Kuaha Matihiko: Digital Gateway project aims to build a comprehensive online tool that provides access to New Zealand’s rich repository of land and water data. The online tool, FIND DATA, is tailored to serve the diverse needs of its users, providing fast and efficient access to vital information on land and water data.

In early April 2023, more than 400 responses were received to the initial survey, with 250 people from various agencies and organizations signing up to receive updates. This registered group will have access to prototypes of the Gateway as they are developed and will help co-design the Gateway through ongoing survey feedback. Illuminating feedback was gathered from the initial survey; some key findings are shown below.

Project Vision and User Support

The vision is that FIND DATA will contribute to the sustainable management of land and water resources in New Zealand. It aims to support informed decision-making for environmental consultants, Māori environmental groups, policy-makers, researchers, and other data-users alike.

Collaborative Efforts and User-Centric Design

FIND DATA is a strategic collaboration between Waka Digital, Massey University, and AgResearch. The project team has engaged with stakeholders through co-design wānanga, surveys, and case-studies, developing a user-centric designed interface with cutting-edge AI technology.

Strategic Development and Market Exploration

By December 2023, a strategic roadmap will be developed to transition from the current FIND DATA Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage to a sustainable long-term position. The project team is also exploring the value proposition of FIND DATA to potential users and the national/international market size and potential.

Data Uploading and Accessibility

Over 12,000 publicly available land and water datasets with associated metadata have been uploaded, with datasets from www.data.govt.nz being targeted as the initial data resource for the platform.

Data Uploading and Accessibility

Over 12,000 publicly available land and water datasets with associated metadata have been uploaded, with datasets from www.data.govt.nz being targeted as the initial data resource for the platform.

Enhancing User Experience with AI Technology

An AI-enhanced search precision component has been developed to enhance the end-user experience of FIND DATA, providing personalised experiences tailored to the specific land and data needs of different end-users.

User Testing and Feedback Collection

A pool of end users tested the alpha version of the MVP, contributing to refining the AI’s understanding and response capabilities. Feedback from these tests is being used to make iterative improvements to the FIND DATA tool.

Next Steps and Beta Testing

The next steps include onboarding additional end-user testers for the beta version of the FIND DATA prototype. The role of these beta testers will be to provide feedback on priority datasets and to improve the usability of the tool.

Invitation for Beta Testing

Invitations for beta testing will soon be sent out to interested parties. Those interested in testing the beta version of the tool are encouraged to go to FIND DATA..

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SURVEY

Derrylea Hardy

Research Officer, Find Data

Agu 18, 2023         /          1 min read

SURVEY

In parallel to the data stocktake (link to the article on the stocktake), an online survey (link to the actual survey) and a hui/wananga process (link to the related article) were conducted. The survey was aimed at individuals and organizations/groups active in the land and water (L&W) data space. The aim of the initial survey was to enable the research team to better understand the characteristics of both creators and users of L&W data, including what their roles are in the organizations/institutions they represent, the data sources and platforms they currently use, etc.

In early April 2023, more than 400 responses were received to the initial survey, with 250 people from various agencies and organizations signing up to receive updates. This registered group will have access to prototypes of the Gateway as they are developed and will help co-design the Gateway through ongoing survey feedback. Illuminating feedback was gathered from the initial survey; some key findings are shown below.

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REVIEW OF LAND AND WATER LEGISLATION

Derrylea Hardy

Research Officer, Find Data

Aug 15, 2023         /          4 min read

REVIEW OF LAND AND WATER LEGISLATION

Future Legislative Changes and Data Impact

There are several future legislative changes in the land and water (L&W) space in Aotearoa New Zealand, potentially affecting data requirements for evidence-based decisions and government reporting.

Adapting the Digital Gateway for Legislative Requirements

To accommodate upcoming legislative changes, the Digital Gateway must develop or adjust data sources and reflect these shifts over time.

Review of National and International Legislative Frameworks

A significant aspect of our research involves examining the national and international legislative frameworks and anticipated changes related to land and water.

Collaboration and Workstream

Michael Mouat, who recently defended his PhD, played a key role in the 2022-2023 period, assisting in the legislation review. A draft paper produced in collaboration with Associate Professor Matt Henry and Michael Mouat, titled “An Evolving Thinking Infrastructure: Land and Water Data in a new Resource Management Context,” is set to be published as a journal article by year’s end.

Randerson Report Findings and Environmental Data Challenges

Drawing from the Randerson Report (2020), our study highlights shortcomings in the existing planning framework, including a lack of strategic focus, insufficient recognition of cultural considerations, and fragmented environmental data reporting.

Recommendations for Legislative Changes

Given these issues, the Randerson Report proposes replacing the Resource Management Act (RMA) with three distinct pieces of legislation, which we delve into:

  • The Natural and Built Environments Act
  • The Strategic Planning Act
  • The Climate Adaptation Act

Incorporating Mātauranga Māori and Data Variability

The review points out the growing diversity of data sources beyond conventional biophysical metrics due to the integration of Māori knowledge (mātauranga Māori) into planning processes.

Transformation of New Zealand's Planning Framework

In the midst of incremental change, New Zealand’s planning framework is undergoing significant transformation. Environmental concerns, such as water quality and climate change, are driving urgency.

Shifting Need for Environmental Data and Adaptability

Evolving legislative requirements necessitate varied and specific environmental data, demanding flexibility and adaptability from our Knowledge Management: Digital Gateway (KM:DG).

Flexible Design for Findable and Accessible Data

Aiming to provide accessible data for diverse users and purposes, the KM:DG’s design must remain flexible to accommodate present and future data needs.

Structured Review and Organized Sections

The review is meticulously organized into five main sections, offering a comprehensive exploration of the legislative landscape and its implications.

Upcoming Release of the Full Report

Anticipate the forthcoming release of the full report, which promises further insights into the legislative review and its outcomes.

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PŪHORO SUMMER INTERNSHIP – DATA STOCKTAKE

Derrylea Hardy

Research Officer, Find Data

Mar 30, 2023         /          2 min read

PŪHORO SUMMER INTERNSHIP – DATA STOCKTAKE

Introduction and Overview of Pūhoro STEMM Academy

Summer interns, Helena Mercer and Mosiah Igatia, from the Pūhoro STEMM academy (https://www.puhoro.org.nz), undertook summer internships within our research project over the 2022-2023 break. The Pūhoro STEMM academy helps rangatahi see the connection between mātauranga Māori in STEMM; improves their academic achievement in STEMM; and, through strategic partnerships, provides pathways into high-value careers.

Description of Summer Interns and their Tasks

Helena and Mosiah’s tasks were to identify providers of land and water (L&W) data within New Zealand and to conduct a basic international search for data providers such as satellite providers, ESA, and NASA. Additionally, they reviewed each provider’s portal or website to identify available data formats and conduct a usability assessment of each provider’s website, with a particular focus on the good and bad aspects of each site from the perspective of an end-user with little experience of accessing L&W data. This generated rich insight into an end user’s perspective on the usability of existing L&W data sources/websites.

Compilation of Data and Reviews in OneNote

The students’ findings were compiled in OneNote, which resulted in 184 pages of data. Based on their stocktake and usability review findings, the project team created 50+ wireframes as initial options for the design of the Kuaha Matahiko user interface. The wireframes were compiled into Miro to enable the development team to create a prototype for Kuaha Matihiko

Identification of Geographic Gaps in L&W Data Coverage

This desktop stocktake exercise provided valuable information on the availability and accessibility of L&W data in New Zealand. One interesting finding was the existence of geographic gaps in data coverage, a factor that has also been confirmed in wananga and hui with a range of stakeholders. These findings are being compiled and will be explored in a publication due for public release later in the year.

Additional Research Efforts

In addition to the data stocktake, the research team has been conducting a survey and engaging in a hui/wananga process to gather valuable insights and perspectives.

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