Māori Text-to-Speech Model Spurns Big Tech’s Values
A new Māori text-to-speech model has been developed that prioritizes indigenous values over those of big tech companies. This initiative is part of a broader movement to create AI models that are owned and operated by indigenous communities. The project is led by Te Taka Keegan at the University of Waikato, focusing on the integration of Māori language and technology.
- ▪The Māori text-to-speech model emphasizes indigenous ownership and values.
- ▪Te Taka Keegan is the co-director of the University of Waikato’s AI Institute.
- ▪The initiative is part of a global trend towards developing indigenous-owned AI models.
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| Original publisher | IEEE Spectrum — AI |
| Canonical URL | https://spectrum.ieee.org/indigenous-ai-voice-models-maori |
| Publication time | Thu, 21 May 2026 15:00:02 +0000 |
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AINews Māori Text-to-Speech Model Spurns Big Tech’s Values Several projects around the world are working to develop indigenous-owned AI modelsLaurie Winkless25s5 min readLaurie Winkless is a New Zealand-based freelance science journalist.Te Taka Keegan is a computer scientist and co-director of the University of Waikato’s AI Institute. He leads the institute’s work on Māori language and technology. University of Waikato {"customDimensions": {"5":"Laurie Winkless","11":2676708687,"7":"artificial-intelligence, languages, ai-models","10":"languages","6":"artificial-intelligence","8":"05/21/2026"}, "post": {"id": 2676708687, "providerId": 20, "sections": [544169523, 497728259, 2289599765, 2289600796, 2289616945], "authors": [26932503], "tags": ["artificial-intelligence", "languages",…
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