Tribal Linked Databases

Tribal registries are essential for managing relationships, entitlements, and governance across iwi. But many systems are slow, centralised, and costly to maintain — leading to outdated records, communication breakdowns, and tension within communities.

Together with our research partners, we’re developing a new approach: a distributed registry system that gives hapū and whānau more control over their own data.

Key features:

• Decentralised, privacy-preserving databases
• Hapū-led verification of whakapapa
• Whānau control over their personal information
• Shared data protocols that honour tikanga

Collective Whakapapa Management

Whakapapa doesn’t belong to a single person or database — it’s a shared, living record. Our system supports individuals to submit their connections to their hapū and iwi, where they can be reviewed and confirmed by trusted admins and record holders.

This approach ensures:

• Greater accuracy and transparency
• Hapū-led governance of whakapapa claims
• Reduced duplication and dispute
• A safer, more connected way to engage with identity

Technical Requirements

Our system is designed as a distributed network — where each Hapū or Iwi hosts its own secure database. These databases talk to each other via encrypted connections and shared rules for managing updates and verifying identity.

Everyone involved:

• Retains control of their own records
• Sees only what they need to see
• Trusts that the process honours their mana