Talanoa Mai app

Talanoa Mai is designed to help social workers build their cultural confidence and connect with Pasifika children and their families. The app was created as a learning resource for Oranga Tamariki staff to support their day-to-day work, but it's also available to all staff, community partners and members of the public.

The app enables users to move between 7 Pacific nations – Samoa, Niue, Cook Islands, Fiji, Tonga, Tokelau and Tuvalu. Using immersive technology, users can learn more about each Pasifika peoples’ unique cultural heritage and identity. 

Interactive features include the ability to toggle between languages, pronunciation support, audio for prayers and songs, maps connecting Pasifika peoples with their nations to wherever they currently live, and self-recording.

For the complete app description, go to the app website(external link), Google Play(external link) , App Store(external link) or see reviews below.

Clinical review

Reviewer:

Amio Ikihele, Innovations Lead, Moana Research 
Date of review: July 2020
Platform: Android
Version: 1.3
Comments: The Talanoa mai app is a learning resource developed to assist Oranga Tamariki staff engage with Pacific communities. This app incorporates many important features that can build confidence among individuals working with Pacific communities. Although Talanoa Mai was developed for Oranga Tamarki staff, there is much relevance for its ability to be embedded into sectors such as health, social development, education, business, and innovation.  Health professionals in particular are able to use this app to increase cultural competency, which can then contribute towards delivering culturally safe care with Pacific communities. 
Pros:

• Can view the Oranga Tamariki Integrated Pacific Cultural Framework and Pacific Strategy which guides social workers and other staff working alongside Pacific family and children.
• Recognises Pacific people are not homogenous by profiling seven Pacific communities living in Aotearoa, New Zealand – Niue, Cook Islands, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Tokelau & Tuvalu - introducing users to information such as cultural practices and protocols, ceremonies, songs, useful phrases, and cultural frameworks to assist individuals engaging with Pacific families.
• The ‘touch-to-hear’ feature which activates the audio pronunciation of Pacific phrases, assisting users with correct pronunciation.
• An auto play feature allows users to play the entire app without needing to read the app content.

Safety concerns: Nil.
New Zealand relevance: Relevant.