We need
your voice.
Two researchers. Two AI tools built for vulnerable spaces. One question we can't answer alone: what does safety actually feel like when AI holds a conversation that matters?
What is this?
We're Lian and Lee — two master's students who've built conversational AI for relationship support and te reo Māori learning. We've reached the questions we can't answer from research papers. We need people with lived experience and honest instincts.
The projects behind this
This research sits across two master's projects — Lian's Project Rise, exploring relational AI for vulnerable conversations, and Lee's Mana Ako, building a te reo Māori learning app grounded in safety and mana.
Explore Project Rise & Mana Ako →Four ways to take part
Pick whatever feels right. You can switch anytime.
Talk to the AI
A 10–15 min voice conversation using Lian's voice, plus a quick sign-up and consent step beforehand.
~10 min · 18+ only
Start →Fill in a form
4 open-ended questions you can answer in your own time, plus a quick sign-up and consent step.
~10 min · 18+ only
Go to form →Talk to a person
A 1-on-1 online kōrero with Lian or Lee.
~2 min to book, then a 30 min call · 18+ only
Book →Not sure yet
Leave your details and we'll reach out.
~2 min
Leave details →Then we come together.
Thursday 26 Feb, 6.30–8pm NZDT — Online wānanga on Zoom. We take what came up in individual kōrero and explore it as a group.
Can't make it? Your individual conversation still counts.
The timeline
Now – 25 Feb
Have your kōrero (AI, form, or person)
Thu 26 Feb, 6.30pm
Online wānanga together
After
Share final reflections (5 min)
Two weeks later
Last chance to withdraw your data
What you'll need
A quiet space, a device with a mic, and about 15 minutes. The wānanga is on Zoom.
Why online?
Our participants are across Aotearoa, and two master's students don't come with a travel budget. We're being honest about what we can and can't do — and that honesty is part of the research.