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The Impact of Technology on Maori and Pasifika Communities

It's been over a decade since the first iPhone was released, and it's hard to imagine our lives without the convenience and functionality that it provides.

by Joey Nanai  I     1 February 2023

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The iPhone has replaced so many different technologies and devices, from cameras to music players, GPS to calculators, and even the traditional landline phone. It has also made access to information and communication more seamless and efficient. As a society, we have become heavily reliant on our smartphones, and the iPhone has played a significant role in that shift.

 

But as we look towards the future, it's clear that the next big revolution in technology is Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI is already being integrated into various industries, and it's set to change the way we live and work. From self-driving cars to personalized medical treatment, the possibilities are endless.

 

As Maori and Pasifika people, we have the opportunity to be early adopters of this new technology. By familiarizing ourselves with AI and its potential uses, we can position ourselves to take advantage of the opportunities that it will bring. We can also work to ensure that the development and implementation of AI is inclusive and benefits all members of our communities.

 

In the past, we may have missed out on the economic benefits brought by new technologies, but this time around, we have the opportunity to be at the forefront. By embracing AI and its potential, we can be leaders in the technological revolution that is to come.

 

However, it's also important to acknowledge the potential downsides of AI and to consider the ethical implications of its widespread use. As we adopt this new technology, we must ensure that it serves to enhance our lives, rather than replace human decision-making and creativity.

 

Once upon a time, the Polynesian people navigated the vast Pacific Ocean using their vast knowledge of the stars, winds, and waves. They were master navigators, able to travel great distances and discover new islands, using only the natural elements and their intuition as their guide. 

 

The Hawaiian islands, located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, were the starting point of many of these voyages. The Hawaiian people, known as the Kanaka Maoli, were skilled navigators themselves, and they would set off on voyages to explore the surrounding islands. They used the stars to navigate, specifically the star known as Hōkūleʻa, which helped them determine their location and direction.

 

As they traveled from island to island, the Polynesian navigators would gather knowledge and resources from each one. They would trade goods, share stories, and learn from the different cultures they encountered. This exchange of knowledge and resources allowed the Polynesian people to thrive and settle in the Pacific islands. 

 

But the Polynesian navigators didn't just navigate by the stars, they also used their intuition and understanding of the natural elements to guide them. They would observe the flight patterns of birds, the direction of the waves, and the wind to determine the best course. They also used traditional tools such as the "Throw stick" and "Wave rider" which helped them to measure the speed and direction of the waves.

 

As they navigated across the Pacific, the Polynesian navigators faced many challenges. Storms, rough seas, and even hostile islanders threatened their journey. However, their resilience and determination to reach their destination kept them going. They were guided by their ancestors, who had passed down the knowledge of navigation for generations. 

 

The legacy of Polynesian navigation lives on today, and it is a reminder of the incredible achievements of our ancestors. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting the natural elements, and the power of knowledge and intuition. As we adopt this new technology, we must ensure that it serves to enhance our lives, rather than replace human decision-making and creativity.

 

The iPhone has had a significant impact on the way we live and communicate, and AI is set to revolutionize the way we live and work in the future. As Maori and Pasifika people, we have the opportunity to be early adopters and leaders in this new technology. By embracing AI and its potential, while also considering its ethical implications, we can ensure that it serves to enhance our lives and benefit our communities.

 

As Maori and Pasifika people, we have a unique opportunity to shape the future of technology and its impact on our communities. By familiarizing ourselves with AI and its potential uses, and being mindful of its ethical implications, we can position ourselves to take advantage of the opportunities that it will bring, while also working to ensure that the development and implementation of AI is inclusive and benefits all members of our communities.

 

In the past, we may have missed out on the economic benefits brought by new technologies, but this time around, we have the opportunity to be at the forefront. By embracing AI and its potential, and being mindful of its ethical implications, we can be leaders in the technological revolution that is to come.

 

Let's take this opportunity to ensure that the future of technology is inclusive and benefits all members of our communities, just like the Polynesian navigators who thrived and settled on the Pacific islands by exchanging knowledge and resources among the different cultures they encountered.

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