Duties & Obligations as a Project Administrator
The role of project admin can differ depending on the size and nature of the project, however what is common in all cases is the Admin is legally and ethically responsible for the security and privacy of data belonging to project members.
Given the nature of pests and taonga species, trapping and monitoring inherently has cross boundary relationships and dependencies. When projects span multiple properties, success relies on collaboration. At the centre of that is communication, trust, and respect. It becomes a delicate balance of responsibility, privacy, and information sharing.
At the project level, Trap.nz allows projects to either remain anonymous, or to list publicly. Secondary to that, it allows projects to anonymously share high level data. Within a project, Administrators take on the duty of data protection, which in broader terms means protecting the relationships between individual trappers.
Every trapper has a unique perspective on sharing data, and that perspective can change as the circumstances change. For example, a new neighbour may arrive with a counter perspective, trapping mistakes may happen, public opinion might swing, social license may vanish. What may seem low risk now, may lead to a major event, to the individuals, and to the project as a whole. To account for this and to keep trappers safe and willing to share data, the default position of privacy and anonymity is highly recommended.
As a default rule, never disclose to anyone trappers names, their attributed catches records, or the exact locations of their equipment.
Below are seven principals to assist with administering a safe and effective community project - legally, ethically, and culturally.
Data Protection Principles for our Community-Led Work
Protecting information to uphold trust, relationships, and community wellbeing.
Our project relies on trust and community. These principles help us handle information with care so people feel safe, respected, and confident in the collective work we do.
1. Treat all data as taonga.
Handle information with care, respect, and intention. Assume it carries meaning for individuals, whānau, and communities, and protect it accordingly.
2. Prioritise transparency and choice.
Be clear about why data is collected, how it will be used, who will access it, and what control people have over their own information.
3. Minimise access and uphold privacy.
Only gather what is genuinely needed, and ensure access is granted with full respect to those providing it. Share with clear purpose and accountability.
4. Protect collective and cultural context.
Recognise that some information is tied to whakapapa - the connections, stories, and shared identity that link people to each other and to place. Honour the relationships it reflects, uphold mana, and prevent harm by considering the wider impacts on whānau and communities.
5. Share and interpret data responsibly.
Only use information in ways that support community wellbeing, avoid misrepresentation, and strengthen trust. Consider how insights might affect relationships, and check that meaning and context are understood before sharing or using them.
6. Honour relationships and reciprocity.
When people and communities share information, ensure that insights, benefits, and learnings are returned to them - with care - in ways that are meaningful and mana-enhancing.