Amplifying Pacific Strengths: The AI‑Powered Aunty Dee

Lead organisation:

Le Va

Le Va will enhance its nationally recognised Aunty Dee tool, a web‑based structured problem‑solving tool co‑designed with Pacific youth to now integrate artificial intelligence. The project builds on Aunty Dee’s proven reach and cultural resonance, offering real‑time, evidence‑based CBT guidance that strengthens problem‑solving skills, reduces distress, and increases access to safe support for young people across Aotearoa. 

The initiative is centred on the Pasifika mental health and wellbeing workforce, providing culturally grounded digital tools and training that reflect Pacific values and ways of knowing. By embedding Aunty Dee into professional development pathways and frontline practice, the project will build digital confidence, reduce practitioner burden, and support early intervention, ensuring the workforce has trusted, locally valid resources to engage effectively with Pacific youth and communities. 

With strong sector partnerships and national reach, the AI‑powered Aunty Dee will ease pressure on overstretched services while amplifying workforce capability across mental health, youth and community sectors. The project represents a unique model of culturally grounded, AI‑enabled problem‑solving therapy.   

Outcomes will be shared through sector briefs and community workshops, embedding innovation and long‑term workforce development to benefit both practitioners and the communities they serve.