I have been motivated over the past two years, listening to Māori communities including marae, hapū, iwi, hapori Māori, whānau and in particular many individuals asking about where to learn about Artificial Intelligence, is my job safe, will the Police deploy killers bots, where to get the facts and myth busters about the impacts on Māori with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
So, as two contributions.
Firstly, I am now offering free webinars from a Te Ao Māori perspective to assist Māori communities and those who interact with Māori communities and AI to better understand the risks and benefits of AI, and to attempt to myth bust some of the many incorrect rumours and fears in the communities, particularly in te ao Māori.
The online Zoom webinars will be on the first first Thursday of each month, from 1-2pm, under the title “Artificial Intelligence Impacts and Preparation for Māori”, and are bookable at the Eventbrite page or by selecting courses below. Each webinar is free to register for and will include a 15 minute wānanga section for questions and answers.
The key theme of each webinar is based upon the key theme from my 2023 Gibbons Lecture at the University of Auckland
Māori are at a crossroads with AI. We can ignore it and go down that road which will ensure Māori remain in status quo with inequities, discrimination and colonialism, or we can turn right for empowerment, decolonisation and a brighter future.
The current 2025 schedule is:
April 03 (More tickets have been added) – Artificial Intelligence Impacts and Preparation for Māori – The Environment
I will discuss the challenges and opportunities that AI brings to our communities including how AI technology is affecting Papatūānuku/Te Taiao and how we can prepare for it as kaitiaki. To conclude, I will offer some suggestions for Iwi and Māori to be innovative and seek commercial opportunities.
May 01 – Artificial Intelligence Impacts and Preparation for Māori – Employment
I will discuss how Artificial Intelligence impacts Māori employment, focusing on current and future job automation over the next 5 years. This seminar is essential for anyone, especially those entering the workforce or whose jobs may be impacted.
June 05 – Artificial Intelligence Impacts and Preparation for Māori – IP Art and Reo
I will present Trans-Tasman research in this area, discuss preventive measures, and propose solutions for Māori artists. I will cover various perspectives on using te reo Māori with AI, outlining the potential benefits and offering practical solutions. This seminar is relevant for those interested in Māori Intellectual Property Rights and the intersection of Māori language and technology.
July 03 – Artificial Intelligence Impacts and Preparation for Māori – Te Tiriti
I will discuss how Te Tiriti, He Whakaputanga and other legal instruments recognise Māori rights in relation to AI, including Māori Data Sovereignty. This seminar is highly recommended for all individuals involved in using or developing AI in Aotearoa New Zealand.
August 07 – Artificial Intelligence Impacts and Preparation for Māori – Businesses in NZ
I will discuss AI’s impact on Māori, focusing on how New Zealand business leaders view AI.
September 04 – Artificial Intelligence Impacts and Preparation for Māori – Māori Perceptions
I will delve into the various perceptions and myths surrounding AI and its implications and benefits for Māori.
October 02 – Artificial Intelligence Impacts and Preparation for Māori – Māori Bias and Governance
Primarily for business owners, AI product owners, and governance boards. I will discuss the origins of and how to address bias and governance issues surrounding AI in your organisation while exploring strategies for preparing and adapting to the changing technological landscape.
November 05 – Artificial Intelligence Impacts and Preparation for Māori – Guest Speaker(s)
To be advised.
December 03 – Artificial Intelligence Impacts and Preparation for Māori – Online Panel TBA
To be advised.
The Institute of Artificial Intelligence
Secondly, I am also really proud to state that with my trusted colleague Lee Timutimu, we have established a new business the Institute of AI Governance IAIG) http://www.aigovernance.co.nz where we are offer a wide range of prescribed and custom online and in person AI training for Māori organisations (mare, businesses, rōpū, whānau, etc); for Māori, by Māori. When we launch, we will be offering full Fellowships to students and unwaged individuals.
Disclaimer: The Featured image was created using DALL·E on 2025-03-08 10.29.10 in response to this prompt: “A futuristic representation of Māori artificial intelligence’.
The IAIG image is the property of the Institute of Artificial Intelligence and has been copied here with permission.