What an amazing couple of months culminating in our 4th annual Aotearoa AI Summit where Minister Reti announced $70m investment in accelerating AI research to market. Watch out for further announcements coming soon on how to apply.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback we’ve had about the Summit underscores its value – with over 400 delegates in attendance, we smashed our 2024 attendance, marking the 4th consecutive year of growth.
We also celebrated our inaugural Aotearoa AI Awards. Bringing the amazing talent we have in New Zealand to the fore. Generously hosted by AUT in their wonderful Open Forum — you can see all the finalists and winners here.
Massive thanks to our Award judges and sponsors, and to our Summit sponsors, for making this such a success.
Summit Sponsors
Awards Sponsors
AI Hackathon Festival ’25: National Winners
Congratulations to team Empathy for taking out the national TAIAO Award for this year’s Hackathon Festival and Team Robin for winning the first Agentic AI Prize sponsored by Aware Group. Watch out for more stories about the Festival and the solutions that were developed. Again, these events are impossible without our partners, the University of Waikato and AWS, our supporters like Seen Ventures, She Sharp, Deloitte, Datacom and especially the venues — we had 9 this year, hosting more than 400 people! AUT’s City Campus and South Campus, Media Design School, academyEX, EPIC Innovation with CanterburyTech, and the University of Otago.
Executive Council Elections
If you want to be part of our strategy setting, we are now accepting nominations to our Executive Council.
Key Dates 2025:
● Now: Call for Nominations for Executive Council representatives
● 8 October: 5 pm: Deadline for nominations to be received
● 15 October: 9 am: List of nominees issued to AI Forum Members, electronic voting for Executive Council representatives commences
● 22 October: 5 pm: Any proposed notices, motions or remits to be advised to AI Forum here
● 29 October: 5 pm: Voting for Executive Council representatives closes
● 12 November: 12 pm: Annual Meeting, results of online voting announced. Register here.
As the fruits of our 200+ volunteers begin to appear this Spring, keep an eye out for plenty of helpful educational webinars and microsites brimming with useful information.
Ngā mihi
Madeline Newman
Executive Director, AI Forum NZ
Launching the Refreshed AI Governance Website
Join us to celebrate the relaunch of our AI Governance website—fully refreshed for today’s fast‑moving AI landscape. Since 2023, this free resource has helped organisations adopt AI responsibly. The new edition blends global expertise with Aotearoa context: updated frameworks, guidance, templates, and real‑world insights. Expect a guided tour, practical takeaways, an expert panel on governance, assurance and change, plus networking.
When: Tues 14 Oct, 12:00 – 2:00pm
Where: Microsoft, Wellington
Register now to secure your spot.
AI Transformation in AEC: Fundamentals with Felix
Kick off the AI Forum AEC Working Group’s new series with a practical, demystifying webinar for architects, engineers, and construction professionals. Learn how AI truly differs from traditional software, which tools matter (beyond ChatGPT), and how to experiment safely without risking client data or compliance. Led by Felix Scholtz (Stokeventures; GRC/Cyber Security; academyEX). Leave with a low-risk plan to start tomorrow: recommended tools, a security checklist, and three quick-win workflows.
When: Fri 10 Oct, 9:00–10:45am (online).
Format: 60-min talk + 15-min Q&A.
Register now to secure your spot.
Sustainable Business Network Presents: Nextfest
Looking for a boost of positivity and practical pathways to really accelerate the future economy? Attend the Next Fest this November.
Next Fest is a high-energy, disruptive festival across multiple venues, designed to ignite innovation, forge connections and make change happen. It’s a key gathering for Aotearoa New Zealand’s sustainable business leaders, entrepreneurs and changemakers as we shape Aotearoa New Zealand’s next economy.
Be inspired by big-stage keynotes, such as George Monbiot, unpack how-to’s and connect with the brightest minds in business. Meet entrepreneurs with market-ready solutions to cut carbon, reduce waste, regenerate nature and create social value. Plus leaders, investors and policy makers ready to back them. Discover partnerships and intelligence that turn sustainability challenges into competitive advantages. And leave with the momentum to scale impact-driven innovation.
Register here before 10 October and, as an AI Forum Member, receive a $100.00 discount on Access-All-Areas tickets
Digital Health Week 2025
AI is no longer just the future of healthcare – it’s here, reshaping how we assess, review and deliver services. At Digital Health Week NZ 2025 we’re bringing you the brightest thinkers, boldest ideas, and most practical tools to help you lead in an AI-powered health system.
This is your chance to hear from global thought-leaders, challenge your thinking, and discover the AI solutions already transforming patient care. Don’t miss it—this is where the AI health community gathers.
