2026 Symposium – Wednesday 8th July
New Zealand AI in Higher Education Symposium
Connecting New Zealand’s post-secondary institutes to pioneer the future of AI-enhanced education.
Date: Wednesday 8 July 2026
Time: 8.30am-5pm
Venue: Castle 2 Lecture Theatre, University of Otago
This symposium invites New Zealand post-secondary educators, researchers, technologists, and anyone interested in AI in education to explore its transformative potential. It offers a unique opportunity for our higher education community to exchange knowledge, share practices, and envision the future of AI-enhanced learning environments. This event is a chance for our community to lead in the responsible and innovative integration of AI technologies.
We encourage participants to bring their insights, share their experiences, and collaborate on shaping a future where AI significantly enhances higher education. Our aim is to generate tangible outcomes from this gathering, whether through actionable insights, collaborative projects, or shaping policies that guide the ethical integration of AI in education.
Join us at this event to help create an adaptive, inclusive, and technologically advanced educational future for New Zealand’s higher education sector.
Registration Coming Soon
Conference format: In-person and streamed
The New Zealand AI in Higher Education Symposium will be held in-person in Castle 2 Lecture Theatre, University of Otago, Dunedin, enabling direct interaction, networking and a fully immersive experience. For those unable to attend physically, we are pleased to offer a live stream of the presentations. Please note that the streamed sessions will be limited to view-only access of the presentations, but will still provide a valuable opportunity to partake in the knowledge sharing of the symposium.
Symposium themes
The symposium is structured around three critical themes, each focusing on a different aspect of artificial intelligence’s role in higher education. These themes serve as a foundation for a comprehensive exploration of AI’s current impact, underlying principles and its potential to redefine the higher education landscape. By delving into these areas, we aim to foster a platform for deep discussions among educators, researchers and technologists. Our goal is to collaboratively address the challenges and seize the opportunities presented by AI, thus contributing to the evolution of educational practices in New Zealand’s higher education sector and setting a precedent for future developments worldwide.
Practice
The “practice” theme explores the practical applications of AI that are currently transforming teaching and learning environments. We welcome participants to share experiences with AI integration and highlight specific applications, successful case studies, and effective strategies that have positively impacted educational outcomes. This theme focuses on the real-world application of AI in education, showing how educators are using technology to create engaging, personalised, and impactful learning experiences.
Theory
Under the “theory” theme, we aim to unpack the foundational concepts and ethical considerations that underpin AI’s role in education. This is a call for papers that explore the theoretical frameworks guiding AI integration, the methodologies that underlie AI innovations, and the policy implications that shape our approach to technology in learning. Discussions will focus on understanding the broader impacts of AI technologies on educational equity, access, and quality.
Future
The “future” theme is dedicated to speculative exploration and visionary thinking about what lies ahead for AI in education. It challenges participants to think beyond the current applications and to envision the next generation of AI technologies that will continue to transform educational practices. This theme encourages a forward-looking perspective on emerging technologies, policy evolution, and the long-term implications of AI on learning and teaching. It’s an opportunity to dream big, forecast upcoming challenges and opportunities, and debate potential scenarios that AI might bring to the educational sector.
Call for Participation
Coming Soon
Agentic Innovation Awards
More Information Coming Soon
Key dates
Registration opens: Soon
Registration closes: 7 June 2026. Keep registration open for further week to Sunday, 14 June for late registrations.
Submissions open: Soon
Presenter submissions close: 7 June 2026
Agentic Innovation Awards open: Soon
Agentic Innovation Award submission close: 7 June 2026
Symposium event: 8 July 2026
AI Blueprint for Aotearoa Unveiled
The AI Forum of New Zealand has launched the AI Blueprint for Aotearoa New Zealand, a strategic plan aiming to make New Zealand a global leader in responsible AI by 2030. The blueprint focuses on six key sectors—agriculture, architecture and construction, creative industries, education, environment, and health—outlining actions to drive AI adoption, public trust, and sustainable development, with the goal of creating an inclusive and prosperous future for the country.
Community of Practice
Joining the AIHE NZ Community of Practice LinkedIn group offers a unique opportunity to stay connected with a growing network of professionals dedicated to advancing AI in higher education. By joining, you can engage in ongoing discussions, share your insights, and learn from peers who are at the forefront of AI innovation in education.
Collaborative Innovation
Engage with a network of educators, researchers, and technologists to collaboratively explore and develop innovative AI applications that enhance teaching and learning.
Knowledge Sharing
Access a wealth of shared expertise, case studies, and research that provide practical insights into AI integration, helping to improve educational outcomes and foster a deeper understanding of AI’s potential in higher education.
Shaping the Future
Contribute to shaping the ethical and responsible use of AI in education, influencing policies and practices that ensure inclusivity, equity, and long-term impact across the sector in Aotearoa.