Over the past nine months, The Culture and Design Lab collaborated with a talented team of AUT (Auckland University of Technology) software and enginnering students to create an AI-driven cultural competency app. This diverse group brought unique skills and perspectives, contributing to a tool designed to enhance Māori and Pacific cultural understanding in New Zealand’s corporate and public sectors.  The team brought an international perspective to our mahi:

• Ye Yuan from China, a software development enthusiast with a passion for teamwork and problem-solving.
• Aryan Patel from India, a tech-savvy network and cybersecurity student who brought AI integration to life in the app.
• William Wong from Indonesia, a computer science student who crafted intuitive and visually appealing user interfaces.
• Taona Chataira from Zimbabwe, a data scientist who bridged technical precision with user-centric design.
• Yuhwan Kim from Korea, a software developer with a deep passion for backend systems and cloud solutions.
• Jim Buchan – student mentor and software engineering researcher and teacher at AUT in the Software Engineering Research Lab (SERL).

Not only did the crew work on coding; they engaged deeply with the design brief, navigating the complexities of integrating cultural knowledge, AI, and technology into a cohesive and impactful app.

The Kaiako App: A Vision for Cultural Competency
The Kaiako App is more than a piece of software. It’s a tool designed to address systemic challenges in how organisations engage with cultural diversity. At its core, it leverages AI and natural language processing to offer personalised, accessible learning experiences. Users engage with content tailored to their roles, learning preferences, and even geographic context. Topics range from Māori and Pasifika history and traditions to allyship, workplace inclusivity, and anti-racism practices.  Key features of the app include:

• Interactive Learning Modules: Bite-sized lessons and quizzes designed to suit individual learning styles.
• Progress Tracking: Dashboards that provide insights into employee engagement and areas for improvement.
• Cultural Protocol Guidance: Region-specific guidance for building meaningful relationships with Māori and Pacific communities.

The Journey: Challenges and Triumphs
This hikoi wasn’t without its challenges. From managing time zones and balancing academic workloads to navigating the sensitive nature of cultural content, the team showed resilience and adaptability every step of the way. Fortnightly progress meetings ensured alignment, and iterative development processes allowed us to refine the app into a functional proof of concept.  Highlights included:

• Developing our Tiriti o Waitangi training modules
• Brainstorming ways to ethically incorporate user feedback while ensuring privacy.
• Developing interactive prototypes that resonated with our stakeholders.
• Conducting user tests to refine the app’s accessibility and relevance.

A Proof of Concept with Heart
Today, we’re proud to say we’ve achieved our goal of creating a functional proof of concept for the Kaiako app. This tool represents a step forward in fostering cultural competency and inclusivity in workplaces across New Zealand. It is both a technological achievement and a testament to what can be accomplished when diverse minds come together with a shared vision.

Gratitude and Reflection
To our incredible team of students—Ye Yuan, Aryan, William, Taona, Yuhwan and their mentor Jim—  thank you for your hard work, creativity and passion. You’ve set the foundation for a project that holds the potential to make a profound impact on New Zealand’s corporate and public sectors.  To AUT's School of Computing and Engineering, thank you as well.

As we reflect on this journey, we’re reminded of the power of collaboration and the importance of cultural understanding. This nine-month hikoi has not only produced an exciting technological tool but also deepened our own commitment to fostering a more inclusive Aotearoa.

Ngā mihi nui—thank you for being part of this transformative journey.