Source Evaluation Matrix
Te Aratohu Aromatawai Pūtake • The Guide for Evaluating Sources
"He aha te mea nui o te ao? He tangata, he tangata, he tangata."
What is the greatest thing in the world? It is people, people, people.
When evaluating sources, we consider not just the information, but the people who created it—their expertise, motivations, and perspectives.
🌿 Connecting to Mātauranga Māori
In te ao Māori, knowledge (mātauranga) is valued based on:
- Whakapapa — Where does this knowledge come from? What is its lineage?
- Mana — Does the source have authority and credibility?
- Tikanga — Is the information shared appropriately and ethically?
- Tapu me te Noa — Is there sacred or restricted knowledge that requires special consideration?
📋 The TAIAO Evaluation Framework
Use this Aotearoa-adapted framework to evaluate any source:
| Criterion | Questions to Ask | Strong (5) | Moderate (3) | Weak (1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timeliness Wā |
When was this published? Has it been updated? Is currency important for this topic? | Published within relevant timeframe; recently updated | Somewhat dated but still relevant | Very outdated; no updates |
| Authority Mana |
Who created this? What are their qualifications? Is the publisher reputable? | Expert author; recognised organisation (e.g., .govt.nz, university) | Some credentials; established source | Unknown author; no credentials |
| Intent Kaupapa |
Why was this created? To inform, persuade, sell, or entertain? | Educational purpose; balanced presentation | Some bias but acknowledges other views | Heavy bias; propaganda; advertising |
| Accuracy Tika |
Is the information correct? Are sources cited? Can it be verified elsewhere? | Facts verified; citations provided; matches other sources | Mostly accurate; some sources cited | Errors found; no sources; contradicts known facts |
| Objectivity Tōkeke |
Is this fair and balanced? Does it present multiple perspectives, including Māori views? | Multiple perspectives; includes diverse voices | Somewhat balanced; limited perspectives | One-sided; excludes important voices |
⚡ Quick Reference: Source Types
🏛️ Government Sites
.govt.nz domains
Official, authoritative, but may reflect policy position
🎓 Academic Sources
Universities, journals
Peer-reviewed, expert-written, but may be complex
📰 News Media
RNZ, Stuff, NZ Herald
Check author, distinguish news from opinion
📱 Social Media
TikTok, Instagram, X
Verify claims elsewhere; check original source
📖 Wikipedia
Community-edited
Good for overview; check cited sources
🌿 Māori Sources
Te Ara, TPK, Iwi sites
Essential for cultural accuracy and perspective
📝 Source Evaluation Worksheet
Student Name: Date:
Source Information
Title/URL:
Author/Organisation:
Publication Date:
TAIAO Evaluation
| Timeliness (Wā) | Score: ☐1 ☐2 ☐3 ☐4 ☐5 | Notes: |
| Authority (Mana) | Score: ☐1 ☐2 ☐3 ☐4 ☐5 | Notes: |
| Intent (Kaupapa) | Score: ☐1 ☐2 ☐3 ☐4 ☐5 | Notes: |
| Accuracy (Tika) | Score: ☐1 ☐2 ☐3 ☐4 ☐5 | Notes: |
| Objectivity (Tōkeke) | Score: ☐1 ☐2 ☐3 ☐4 ☐5 | Notes: |
Total Score: / 25
Overall Assessment:
Reflection
What perspective might be missing from this source?
How does this source connect to (or differ from) Māori perspectives on the topic?
👩🏫 Teacher Notes
Curriculum Links: NZC Level 4 Social Studies, English (Critical Literacy)
Differentiation:
- Support: Provide pre-selected sources with varying reliability; use think-alouds
- Extension: Compare same story across multiple outlets; investigate media ownership in NZ
Key Aotearoa Sources: Te Ara (encyclopedia.govt.nz), RNZ, NZHistory.govt.nz, Te Puni Kōkiri, Stats NZ