Le Va to lead Pacific innovation in AI mental health support 

“Artificial intelligence will shape the future whether we participate or not. The real question is who gets to influence that future.

Aunty Dee, Le Va’s trusted online problem-solving tool, is entering an exciting new chapter with the development of an AI-enhanced version designed to strengthen support for young people and the mental health workforce who walk alongside them.  

For more than a decade, Aunty Dee has helped young people navigate challenges, build resilience and work through problems in a way that is practical, accessible and grounded in evidence-based problem-solving. Since its launch, the tool has supported thousands of users across Aotearoa and the Pacific, and has become a recognised part of the digital mental health landscape. 

This next phase brings together Pacific knowledge, clinical expertise, youth voice, workforce experience, research, evaluation and emerging technologies to explore new ways of strengthening mental health support for young people and the practitioners, families and communities who support them. 

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape the way people access information, services and support, Le Va is exploring how these technologies can contribute to better mental health outcomes while remaining grounded in the values, relationships and cultural strengths that matter most to our communities. 

AI will shape the future

Le Va chief executive Mati Dr Elizabeth Mati says the project reflects Le Va’s commitment to helping shape the future of wellbeing support in ways that are both innovative and responsible: 

“Artificial intelligence will shape the future whether we participate or not. The real question is who gets to influence that future. 

Some of the most important decisions about wellbeing, support and human connection are already being made in technology. If Pacific communities, mental health leaders and those closest to the challenges we are trying to solve are not part of those conversations, it becomes harder to ensure emerging solutions are informed by lived experience, cultural knowledge and community expertise. 

We have a responsibility to understand these technologies, engage with them critically, and help shape how they are used. I want to see a future where culture, community wisdom, lived experience and clinical expertise sit alongside innovation, not outside it. 

Enhancing an already groundbreaking tool like Aunty Dee gives us a starting point to put those principles into practice. It allows us to explore how AI technology can strengthen access to support while remaining grounded in the values, strengths and aspirations of the people it is intended to serve. 

What gives me confidence is the calibre of people around this work. We have brought together leaders from mental health, Pacific health, workforce development, research, evaluation, youth wellbeing and technology to help shape what comes next.” 

The project is guided by a dedicated Expert Advisory Group established to provide cultural, clinical, ethical and technical support throughout development. The group brings together expertise across mental health, clinical psychology, Pacific health, cultural leadership, research and evaluation, youth voice, workforce development, digital innovation and artificial intelligence. 

Expert Advisory Group members 

• Austin Laulu: Le Va Youth Advisory Group member
• Dr David Tan: Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist; Paediatrician
• Dr Penni Wolfgramm: Clinical Psychologist, Village Collective; Pacific Rainbow+ Peoples Lead, Ministry for Pacific Peoples
• Dr Sam Manuela: Senior Lecturer, Te Kura Mātai Hinengaro – School of Psychology at Waipapa Taumata Rau – The University of Auckland
• Dr Sione Vaka: Associate Professor | Associate Dean Pacific at the University of Waikato
• Misa Tovia Va’aelua: Vice President, Tech For Good, Crayon

The redevelopment is also being shaped by the collective leadership and expertise of Le Va and the Wise Group, drawing on decades of experience across mental health, suicide prevention, workforce development, clinical and cultural leadership, youth engagement, research and evaluation, communications and digital innovation. This expertise is further strengthened by external advisors and sector partners who are contributing to the project’s development. 

An opportunity to grow together

Over the coming months, the project will move through co-design, testing and development phases, ensuring the next generation of Aunty Dee reflects the needs and aspirations of the communities it is designed to support. Cultural integrity, clinical safety, workforce relevance and community voice will remain central throughout the journey. 

The project represents an important opportunity to contribute to growing conversations about the future of mental health support in Aotearoa. As we learn, we intend to share those learnings openly, recognising that innovation is strongest when knowledge is shared and communities grow together.  

By bringing together cultural wisdom, community leadership, evidence-informed practice and emerging technology, we hope this work contributes not only to the future of Aunty Dee, but to a growing body of knowledge that strengthens the capability of the wider village supporting our communities. 

Supported by the Workforce Futures Fund | Tahua Rāngamahi Anamata.