A custom solution for data sovereignty
To address Te Nehenehenui's specific needs, we embarked on a collaborative journey to design and develop a custom digital solution: Kākaho. Named after the reed to symbolise the interconnectedness of the Maniapoto iwi, the platform was conceived as an open-source alternative to proprietary systems. This strategic decision was made to ensure Te Nehenehenui would have complete control and ownership over their data, aligning perfectly with their data sovereignty goals.
Rapid, cost-effective development
We used open-source technologies, Laravel and Filament, to create Kākaho. These modern frameworks streamlined development by using pre-built components, which reduced costs and accelerated the time to market. This approach allowed us to rapidly build the core platform and its user-friendly web portal.
Building the digital tribal register
The initial build focused on the tribal register itself. Kākaho streamlines the registration process, and once submitted, registrations are processed and stored in a centralised database. The platform incorporates robust access controls, allowing authorised users, such as the Whakapapa Committee, to securely manage data, review evidence, and approve new members or trustees, significantly reducing administrative burden.
Integrating a comprehensive grants system
With the register established, we expanded the platform by developing a complete grants application and administration system. This module allows iwi members to browse and apply for grants, track the status of their submissions, and receive email notifications. For administrators, the system supports the entire grant lifecycle, from creating new grant templates to managing the five distinct application statuses and integrating with Xero for financial management.
Secure hosting and an ongoing partnership
Dynamo6's Advanced Host solution, which offers strong security and reliability, was used to host the platform. Our ongoing managed services agreement ensures the platform remains up-to-date and secure, allowing Te Nehenehenui to focus on its core mission. This partnership has seen the platform continue to evolve, with enhancements such as adding auditing controls for grant changes and extending the system to accept paper-based submissions to ensure accessibility for all members.
