AI Wayfinding:
Finding Our Way in the Digital Canoe
In the Pacific, we’ve always been navigators — reading the winds, waves, and stars to find our way.
Today, our ocean is digital, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the new currents shaping how we live, work, and connect.
At Va’a Collective Ltd, we guide our people through this new ocean, helping adults and community groups aged 40 and over learn how to use AI with confidence, care, and purpose.
Our AI Wayfinding programme blends hands-on learning with Pacific values, so you can explore technology safely, at your own pace, in your own way.
Our Learning Approach
We believe learning should be relational, respectful, and grounded in who we are as Pacific people.
Our workshops are practical, warm, and community-centred — guided by the values of alofa (love), fa‘aaloalo (respect), and tautua (service).
You’ll discover that AI isn’t something to fear — it’s a tool that can serve you, your whānau, and your work.
What You’ll Learn
1. What is AI — and Why It Matters to Us
We start with the basics. What is AI? How does it work? And how does it already shape our everyday lives — from our phones to our workplaces?
You’ll learn in plain language, with examples that make sense in your world.
2. Everyday AI Skills
AI can help with so many things: writing letters, planning events, running small businesses, managing family tasks, or creating community projects.
We’ll walk alongside you as you learn how to use AI tools like ChatGPT and others — step-by-step, hands-on, no jargon.
3. Talking to AI (Prompting)
Like any relationship, how you speak makes all the difference.
We’ll teach you how to “prompt” AI — asking clear, thoughtful questions so it gives you useful, accurate answers.
Once you know how, AI becomes like a helpful teammate — one that listens and responds to you.
4. AI for Work, Family, and Community
Learn how AI can:
Save you time and energy
Help your business grow
Support community programmes
Simplify admin or creative tasks
Keep you connected and learning
Our sessions are filled with real-life examples from Aotearoa and the wider Pacific.
5. Cultural and Ethical AI
As Pacific people, we care deeply about how knowledge is used.
We talk about AI ethics, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and Pacific principles, making sure that what we create and share protects our stories, data, and mana. We believe in technology that serves people, not the other way around.
What Participants are saying about the training:
"An introduction to AI being delivered by someone who is empathetic, to the diversity of participants, providing a historical context of where AI all began... The discussions around 'safety' of cultural Ancestral knowledge unique to ethnic and indigenous communities, the safe guarding of such IP to ensure authenticity was great."
"Enjoyed Lautalie's pace, awareness and knowledge of her presentation, sharing of her journey and how she's navigated all her experiences resulting in where she is and what she is today. Relevant, articulate and well prepared."
"Greater understanding - excited about trying different things with AI - adding in my CV for covering letters, using prompts like 'explain it to a 10 year old & with a pacific world view focus', trying text to image and video, text to task."
“It was great to have someone that looked like us and could relate to in terms of culture and understanding.”
Ongoing Support – The Va’a Collective Way
Bi-Monthly AI Talanoa Sessions
Learning doesn’t end after the workshop — it continues through community.
Join our monthly AI Talanoa, where we:
✅ Share what we’ve learned and created
✅ Explore new tools together
✅ Ask questions in a safe, supportive space
✅ Encourage one another to keep going
These gatherings are about connection, confidence and supporting each other.
Why Learn with Va’a Collective
✔ Pacific-Led and Grounded: Our training honours Pacific wisdom and worldviews.
✔ Easy to Follow: We make AI simple and approachable for all levels.
✔ Practical and Real: Every session gives you tools you can use right away.
✔ Community First: We learn together — walking, not running, into the future.
Who This Is For
Our AI Wayfinding programme is perfect for:
✅ Pacific and Māori adults aged 40+ who want to build digital confidence
✅ Community and church leaders curious about new tools
✅ Small business owners and professionals wanting to stay current
✅ Elders who want to understand what their kids and grandkids are using
No prior tech skills are needed — just an open heart and willingness to learn.
Begin Your Journey
The ocean of technology is wide, but you don’t have to sail it alone.
Join us as we navigate the new world of AI together, guided by Pacific values and collective strength.
AI Wayfinding, your digital va’a for the journey ahead.