Our Team

Dr Alex Beattie leads the theoretical direction and delivery of this project. A Senior Lecturer in Information Management at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, he researches how people live with, resist, and disconnect from digital technologies, with a focus on digital well‑being, ADHD and neurodivergence, news avoidance, and the growing tech‑lash.

Dr Ally Gibson is a senior lecturer in Health Psychology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington and an expert in critical health psychology with deep experience in qualitative and discursive methods, including the story completion method. She is previous Marsden Fast‑Start recipient and an advisor for this research project

Bianca House is a Master's Student in Health Psychology and a member of the project team. Her research examines how ADHD‑focused apps construct ideas of focus, productivity, and wellbeing, shedding light on the assumptions built into digital self‑management tools and how they shape the everyday experiences of neurodivergent users.

Dr Karaitiana Taiuru is Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading Māori technology ethicist, recognised nationally and internationally for his expertise in AI ethics, Māori Data Sovereignty, tikanga Māori, and the rights-based governance of emerging technologies. He brings extensive experience in mātauranga Māori, Kaupapa Māori research methods, and long-standing advocacy for digital Māori rights, ensuring Māori perspectives are upheld in the rapidly evolving digital and data landscape

Maggie Shippam brings expertise in youth wellbeing, neurodiversity, and community‑led research to this project. A PhD candidate at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, Maggie’s work focuses on the health and wellbeing of young adults living with ADHD, informed both by research and their lived experience.

Reace Cloete is a Master’s student in Health Psychology at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington and a research member of the project team. His thesis explores how digital detox strategies support people with ADHD, using self‑determination theory to understand what helps individuals feel more autonomous, motivated, and in control of their digital lives.

Dr Terry Fleming is an Associate Professor in the School of Health at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington and one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading experts in digital mental health, with internationally recognised work including co‑developing the SPARX computerised CBT programme for young people. She brings decades of experience in youth mental health, service development, and research leadership, including co‑leading the Aotearoa Youth2000 surveys and serving as President of the International Society for Research on Internet Interventions.