By Linewize Team
Supporting the wellbeing of our tamariki together:
At the heart of Linewize Aotearoa is a simple truth: The wellbeing of our tamariki matters. Not just their learning outcomes, but their hauora (wellbeing) in all its forms. We are here to guide, support, and uphold the collective responsibility that every adult shares in caring for our tamariki mā digital lives. Through unity, we create safer spaces. Through partnership, we build a lasting impact. Through aroha, we honour our tamariki.
Mā te kotahitanga e tiaki, e poipoi, e ārahi i ā tātou tamariki i te ao matihiko
Through unity, we protect, nurture, and guide our children in the digital world.
It is not one who is most powerful, but all of us together. True strength lies in unity. When we stand together, we create safer pathways, stronger communities, and better outcomes for our tamariki.
At Linewize, we’ve always believed in creating safe, supportive environments for tamariki. The expectations for digital safety for ākonga and tauira wellbeing are changing, and so must the ways we approach student wellbeing and digital safety. That’s why we are incredibly proud to share a milestone in our journey—an exciting new version of Linewize Pulse, designed with the unique cultural heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand at its heart.
This new version of Linewize Pulse is not a product update. It’s a reflection of our deep commitment to honouring Māori identity and ensuring that tamariki feel truly seen and heard. At the core of this evolution is a fundamental belief: that cultural and identity-based mahi (work) must be led with integrity. This means working in partnership with tangata whenua (local Indigenous peoples) from the very beginning, not as an afterthought.
Why is it important for Linewize Pulse to embrace te ao Māori, and why would schools value this inclusion?
Embracing te ao Māori in Linewize Pulse is our commitment to honouring te Tiriti o Waitangi and supporting the hauora (wellbeing) of ākonga Māori (Māori learners).
For schools, this matters because:
- It creates culturally safe spaces where tamariki and tauira feel seen, heard, and valued.
- It strengthens relationships and fosters whanaungatanga, which enhances engagement and a sense of belonging.
- It moves schools beyond compliance, embedding mana ōrite (equality) as a living value.
- When Linewize Pulse reflects the identities of the students it serves, it becomes a tool for deeper connection and cultural responsiveness, not just a data point.
A Journey Built on Partnership and Integrity
Cultural integrity is our responsibility. From the outset, we knew that any effort to integrate te ao Māori (Māori worldview) into Linewize Pulse had to embrace tino rangatiratanga (self-determination) to define and lead how Māori identity and mātauranga Māori (knowledge) are reflected.
Our relationship with tangata whenua has been central to this process. We’ve worked together as co-designers and decision-makers, ensuring their voices are not only heard but deeply embedded in every step of our development. It’s about fostering long-term, authentic relationships grounded in respect and mutual understanding.
This work is also a testament to whanaungatanga, which we believe is essential in building a strong, united community. For us, it’s not just about delivering a product—it’s about helping kura (schools) create environments where tamariki feel connected to culture, community, and their identity.
What's New in Aotearoa New Zealand Pulse?
We are introducing a series of updates to Linewize Pulse so it aligns with the values of Aotearoa New Zealand. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect:
1. How Are You Feeling?
For the first time, Linewize Pulse will ask the question “How are you feeling?” in both te reo Māori and te reo Pākehā (Māori and English languages), giving students the opportunity to express themselves in their own language and cultural context. By doing this, we’re creating an environment where students can feel truly seen and supported, knowing that their voice matters in both languages.
2. I Need Help
Breaking down the barriers to help-seeking is a critical part of student wellbeing. By adding the option for students to express “I need help,” we’re helping tamariki access support when they need it most. This simple yet powerful addition helps remove the stigma around asking for help, encouraging more open conversations about wellbeing.
3. Digging Deeper into Māori Values
We’ve worked closely with tangata whenua to identify feelings that aligned with te ao Māori and can be expressed in te reo Māori. These questions help ākonga dig deeper into their emotional landscape, reinforcing their sense of belonging and safety while supporting their individual wellbeing needs.
4. Living Kura Values
Incorporating values in te reo Māori into Linewize Pulse helps students recognise their school values in action and provides them with the opportunity to mihi to their peers and staff. Linewize Pulse seeks to create a powerful sense of unity and belonging.
Supporting the Wellbeing of Tamariki Together
At Linewize, we know that student wellbeing is a shared responsibility. It's not just one person or one group, it is whānau (family), hapū (sub-tribes), iwi (tribes), hapori (community) kura, kaiako, and tumuaki who play a vital role in supporting the wellbeing of our young people. We are proud to work in the spirit of manaakitanga to support an environment where tamariki feel safe, seen, and valued.
This new version of Linewize Pulse is just the beginning of our ongoing journey to better support tamariki. We are committed to evolving alongside the needs of our communities and ensuring that our tools truly reflect the richness of Aotearoa New Zealand’s cultural identity.
The Path Ahead
Our mission to support tamariki doesn’t stop here, we will continue listening, learning, and improving, offering the tools and support our young people need to thrive in the digital world.
To learn more about this journey, and to see how we are making a meaningful impact, we invite you to watch our journey video below.
Looking Ahead Together
This journey is far from over, and we are honoured to be part of it with you. By embedding cultural integrity and inclusivity in our work, we are not just shaping a product, we are shaping an environment where tamariki can thrive, feel seen, and know their identity is valued. Together, we will continue to build safer, more supportive spaces for our children, ensuring that their digital wellbeing is nurtured alongside their cultural identity.
Thank you for walking this path with us. We are excited to see where it takes us, as we continue to support our tamariki in every step of their journey.
Ngā mihi nui,
The Linewize Aotearoa Team
Advisors:
Conrad Waitoa M.A Māori & Indigenous Leadership
Ngāti Porou | Ngāti Kahungunu | Ngāi Tahu
Phil Gordon KAIHOE MĀTAURANGA - FACILITATOR
PHIL GORDON
Nga Puhi
