New AI Chatbot Technology Supports Māori Youth in Quitting Smoking

Revolutionizing Quit Smoking Support with TUA Chatbots

A groundbreaking technology has been launched to aid young individuals, specifically Māori, in their efforts to quit smoking. TUA, the AI chatbot developed by Te Whatu Ora, social justice collective Takiri Mai Te Ata, and Hāpai Te Hauora, a public health advocacy group in west Auckland, is spearheading this initiative. TUA offers 24/7 assistance on Facebook Messenger, providing support in both English and te reo Māori.

Empowering Rangatahi through Māori Knowledge and Hauora Services

TUA, the AI chatbot, plays a vital role in the quit-smoking journey of rangatahi by sending daily check-ins, tips, and distractions during the crucial first 30 days. Additionally, the TUA website offers mātauranga Māori resources, enabling whānau to connect with themselves and te taiao (the natural environment). By incorporating knowledge of maramataka (the Māori lunar cycle), pūrākau (Māori stories and legends), and karakia, TUA aims to empower rangatahi throughout their quitting process.

Te Ao Māori Framework: Bridging the Gap to Hauora Services

Danielle Griffioen, the spokesperson for Hāpai Te Hauora, emphasizes the significance of TUA in providing accessible Hauora services to whānau across Aotearoa. With a te ao Māori framework and mātauranga Māori at its core, TUA effectively connects with whānau, a feature that sets it apart. Griffioen acknowledges the unequal access to hauora and smoking cessation services throughout New Zealand and highlights the role of TUA in bridging this gap.

According to Kathrine Clarke, Director of Health Promotion at Te Whatu Ora, TUA’s contemporary solution facilitates smoking cessation and enhances overall well-being. Rangatahi can receive immediate support tailored to their needs and connect with other smoking cessation services through the chatbot.

This innovative campaign caters not only to quitting smoking but also aligns with te ao Māori frameworks and understanding of well-being. Thus, TUA has the potential to assist whānau in various whāinga (goals), including vaping.

In recent studies, The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation New Zealand (ARFNZ) found that one-in-five teens use e-cigarettes daily, and Action for Smokefree (ASH) estimated that 250,000 Kiwis vape. The Ministry of Health reported that in 2021/22, 19.9% of Māori in Aotearoa were smokers, compared to 7.2% of non-Māori, excluding Pasifika.

Jason Alexander, CEO of Hāpai Te Hauora, expresses pride in the innovative approach to well-being that TUA represents. By utilizing new technologies, the Māori community showcases their intelligence and creativity in finding solutions. While smoking may not be native to their culture, TUA serves as a testament to their ability to achieve wellness through innovative means.