A decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), sometimes called a decentralized autonomous corporation (DAC), is an organization managed in whole or in part by decentralized computer program, with voting and finances handled through a blockchain. In general terms, DAOs are member-owned communities without centralized leadership. The precise legal status of this type of business organization is unclear.
A blockchain is a distributed ledger with growing lists of records (blocks) that are securely linked together via cryptographic hashes. Each block contains a cryptographic hash of the previous block, a timestamp, and transaction data. Since each block contains information about the previous block, they effectively form a chain, with each additional block linking to the ones before it. Consequently, blockchain transactions are irreversible in that, once they are recorded, the data in any given block cannot be altered retroactively without altering all subsequent blocks.
A decentralised application is an application that can operate autonomously, typically through the use of smart contracts, that run on a decentralized computing, blockchain or other distributed ledger system. Like traditional applications, DApps provide some function or utility to its users. However, unlike traditional applications, DApps operate without human intervention and are not owned by any one entity, rather DApps distribute tokens that represent ownership. These tokens are distributed according to a programmed algorithm to the users of the system, diluting ownership and control of the DApp. Without any one entity controlling the system, the application is therefore decentralised.
Government by algorithm is an alternative form of government or social ordering where the usage of computer algorithms is applied to regulations, law enforcement, and generally any aspect of everyday life such as transportation or land registration. The term "government by algorithm" has appeared in academic literature as an alternative for "algorithmic governance" in 2013. A related term, algorithmic regulation, is defined as setting the standard, monitoring and modifying behaviour by means of computational algorithms – automation of judiciary is in its scope. In the context of blockchain, it is also known as blockchain governance.
Algorand is a proof-of-stake blockchain and cryptocurrency. Algorand's native cryptocurrency is called ALGO.
Ella Yvette Henry is a New Zealand Māori academic, affiliated with Ngātikahu ki Whangaroa, Ngāti Kuri, and Te Rārawa iwi. In June 2022 she was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to Māori, education and media. As of 2022 she is a full professor in the business school at Auckland University of Technology, specialising in Māori media.
Barbara Anne Bollard also known as Barbara Breen and Bollard-Breen, is a New Zealand academic, and is a professor at University of Wollongong. She was previously a full professor at Auckland University of Technology, specialising in using remote sensing and drones to map and manage conservation areas.
Kim Natasha Dirks is a Canadian–New Zealand academic, and is a full professor at the University of Auckland, specialising in infrastructure impacts on population health.
Caroline E. Foster is a New Zealand law professor at the University of Auckland, specialising in international law and the law of the sea, compliance and dispute settlement.
Xiaowen Yuan is a New Zealand materials scientist, and is a full professor at the Auckland University of Technology, specialising in novel composite materials from natural materials for high performance uses, such as improving supercapacitor performance.
Alexandra Anne Talbot Barratt (née Carr) is a New Zealand academic, and is professor emerita at the University of Waikato. Barratt is a specialist in medieval manuscripts.
Lynley Carol Anderson is a New Zealand academic, and is a full professor at the University of Otago, specialising in bioethics in health care education and sports and sports healthcare provision.
Janet Grace Sayers is a New Zealand organisational psychology academic, and is a full professor in the School of Management at Massey University, specialising in research on removing barriers to participation in employment and education.
Michelle Ji Yeon Yoo is a New Zealand academic, and is a full professor at the Auckland University of Technology, specialising in food digestibility and the development of value-added foods.
Jessica Christine Lai is a New Zealand academic, and is a full professor at Victoria University of Wellington, specialising in the interaction of intellectual property rights and indigenous knowledge.
Amanda Smith is a New Zealand design academic, and is a full professor at the Auckland University of Technology, specialising in textile design, printed textiles, and seamless knitwear. She previously worked as a knitwear designer in Japan and New Zealand. Smith is head of AUT's School of Design, and founded the Textile and Design Laboratory.
Toni Ashton is a New Zealand health economist, and was a full professor at the University of Auckland, specialising in the funding and structure of health systems.
Maree Roche is a New Zealand academic, and is a full professor at the University of Auckland, specialising in leadership, employee wellbeing and indigenous perspectives. Roche is the manutaki (director) of the university's Dame Mira Szászy Centre for Leading Māori Workforce Development. She is a Fellow of the New Zealand Psychological Society and of the Positive Organisational Behaviour Institute in the US.
The Build Finance DAO was a decentralized autonomous organization (DAO), a venture based on blockchain technology. It was the subject of a 2022 hostile takeover by a member who amassed enough votes to pass a motion that allowed them to liquidate the DAO's cryptocurrency holdings and flood the market with new tokens.
Jenny Bol Jun Lee-Morgan is a New Zealand academic and sociologist. She is Professor of Māori Research, and was founding director of Unitec's Ngā Wai a Te Tūī Māori Research Centre.
