and outer universe, therefore, the obligations of whanaungatanga extend to the physical world and all being in it". While some family and community health organisations may require details of whakapapa as part of client assessment, it is generally better if whakapapa is disclosed voluntarily by whānau, if they are comfortable with this. Usually details of a client's whakapapa are not required since sufficient information can be obtained through their iwi identification. Cases where whakapapa may be required include adoption cases or situations where whakapapa information may be of benefit to the client's health and well-being. Whakapapa is also believed to determine an individual's intrinsic tapu. "Sharing whakapapa enables the identification of obligations...and gaining trust of participants". Additionally, since whakapapa is believed to be "inextricably linked to the physical gene", concepts of tapu would still apply. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that appropriate cultural protocols are adhered to. Misuse of such private and privileged information is of great concern to Māori. While whakapapa information may be disclosed to a kaimatai hinengaro'' in confidence, this information may be stored in databases that could be accessed by others. While most health professions are embracing technological advances of data storage, this may be an area of further investigation so that confidential information pertaining to a client's whakapapa cannot be disclosed to others. Additionally, it may be beneficial to find out if the client is comfortable with whakapapa information being stored in ways that have the potential to be disclosed to others. To combat such issues, a Māori Code of Ethics has been suggested. A Māori Code of Ethics may prevent "the mismanagement or manipulation of either the information or the informants". Sport Although this rule was not rigorously applied in the past, people today have to prove whakapapa to become members of the international Māori All Blacks rugby union team, New Zealand Māori rugby league team and New Zealand Māori cricket team to qualify. Notes References Genealogy Iwi and hapū Māori culture Māori words and phrases Māori society