Aotearoa genomic data repository: An āhuru mōwai for taonga species sequencing data

The Aotearoa Genomic Data Repository (AGDR) is an initiative to provide a secure within-nation option for the storage, management and sharing of non-human genomic data generated from biological and environmental samples originating in Aotearoa New Zealand. This resource has been developed to follow the principles of Maori Data Sovereignty, and to enable the right of kaitiakitanga (guardianship), so that iwi, hapu and whanau (tribes, kinship groups and families) can effectively exercise their responsibilities as guardians over biological entities that they regard as taonga (precious or treasured). While the repository is designed to facilitate the sharing of data-making it findable by researchers and interoperable with data held in other genomic repositories-the decision-making process regarding who can access the data is entirely in the hands of those holding kaitiakitanga over each data set. No data are made available to the requesting researcher until the request has been approved, and the conditions for access (which can vary by data set) have been agreed to. Here we describe the development of the AGDR, from both a cultural perspective, and a technical one, and outline the processes that underpin its operation.

Automated summary

The Aotearoa Genomic Data Repository (AGDR) is an initiative that aims to securely store and share non-human genomic data from Aotearoa New Zealand, following the principles of Maori Data Sovereignty. The repository allows access to data only to those who hold guardianship rights and have been approved to access the data. This article describes the development of AGDR from both cultural and technical perspectives and outlines its operational processes.