AUT shaping our AI future
AUT has played a leading role in building New Zealand’s national response to AI in education, with a major contribution to the latest edition of the AI Forum’s AI Blueprint for Aotearoa.
The Blueprint is regarded as one of the country’s most influential AI discussion documents and, since its initial release in July 2024, has driven national conversations around New Zealand’s emerging AI strategy, workforce readiness and technology adoption.
AUT contributed significantly to the report through the work of Dr Geri Harris, who has spent the past two years leading the national AI in Education workstream, and
Associate Professor Mahsa McCauley, who is Chair of the AI Forum.
Under Dr Harris’ leadership, the AI in Education workstream brought together educators, researchers, industry and policy stakeholders from across the country to explore how AI can be integrated into education in ways that are innovative, responsible and inclusive.
Responding to a rapidly changing education landscape
The report sets out a national vision that by 2030 Aotearoa New Zealand is “a global leader in equitable, AI-enabled education” where all learners are empowered to use AI critically, ethically and responsibly.
However, the report found that while “AI is fundamentally changing both the purpose of education and how it is delivered”, many organisations and educators are currently underprepared to build AI capability and literacy. According to the report, only 2.7 percent of the workforce currently qualify as AI practitioners who have embedded AI into workflows, while 79 percent of employers do not yet know how to implement AI workforce training programmes.
Dr Harris says the workstream was established to help ensure New Zealand’s education system can respond to this shift collaboratively and equitably.
“Over the past two years we’ve seen enormous interest from educators across schools, tertiary institutions and industry who are trying to navigate the opportunities and challenges AI presents,” Dr Harris says.
“There’s a real appetite for practical guidance, collaboration and shared learning. One of the most encouraging aspects of this work is seeing educators come together across the country to explore how we can use these technologies responsibly while keeping people, creativity and critical thinking at the centre.”
Building a national community of practice
One of the workstream’s major achievements has been the development of a national AI in Education Community of Practice, supported by the Education Partnership & Innovation Trust (EPIT) and Teacher Development Aotearoa.
The initiative has grown to more than 580 members nationwide, with educators participating in webinars, professional learning and discussions around AI literacy, ethics and classroom practice.
The Blueprint also highlights initiatives such as Day of AI Aotearoa, which is helping schools introduce AI literacy in practical and culturally grounded ways. Early results showed significant increases in students’ confidence in understanding and explaining AI technologies.
Leading the response to AI in education
AUT Vice-Chancellor Damon Salesa said AUT’s involvement reflects the university’s broader commitment to helping shape conversations around technology, society and the future of education.
“As Aotearoa New Zealand’s only university of technology, we are uniquely placed to help shape how AI is understood, taught and applied across education and industry,” Professor Salesa said.
“The work being conducted by AUT and the AI Forum is not just about adopting AI. It’s about preparing learners and workplaces for a future where AI literacy, ethical reasoning, creativity and adaptability become increasingly important skills.”