About Va’a Collective
Va’a Collective is a Pacific-led consultancy supporting health and community organisations across Aotearoa and the Pacific to strengthen leadership, improve systems, and embed AI thoughtfully and responsibly.
Our work integrates practical training with strategic advisory, ensuring organisations build internal strength while navigating digital and organisational change with confidence.
Founder
Lautalie Schmidt-Geen
Va’a Collective is led by Lautalie Schmidt-Geen, a Pacific systems change practitioner and AI capability advisor with over three decades of experience across health, government, and community sectors.
Her work focuses on strengthening leadership, embedding practical AI into organisational workflows, and supporting long-term resilience grounded in Pacific values and collective wellbeing.
Strategic Collaborations
Va’a Collective works alongside trusted partners across Aotearoa to deliver specialist expertise where required.
Atarau brings expertise in Indigenous education, youth development, and community-led enterprise. With whakapapa to Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngā Rauru and Ngāti Raukawa, his work centres on rangatahi development, social enterprise design, and embedding Te Reo me ōna tikanga within leadership and learning spaces.
When appropriate, Va’a Collective and Mahi AI collaborate on initiatives that require combined strengths in AI capability, Indigenous education, and community development.