AI: Capability building for a future focussed Taiwhenua

In February, staff and Board members of Te Taiwhenua o Te Whanganui ā Orotu completed an AI Bootcamp with AcademyEX to strengthen our understanding of Artificial Intelligence and how we can use it to serve whānau.

As CEO Mat Mullany explains:

“Te Taiwhenua is looking at opportunities to innovate the way we do business - including how we are able to automate back-office functions to shift more resources and create better outcomes for whānau and communities..”

Artificial Intelligence is not something on the horizon. It is already part of our daily lives - in the systems we use, the services we access, and the world our rangatahi are growing up in. Rather than be reactive, we are choosing to be informed and proactive.

As AcademyEX facilitator Kensa Randle (Ngāti Kahu) shared:

“Te Ao Hangarau isn’t coming, it’s already here. That’s why we need to act now - so we can decide how it plays out in our lives.”

For a not-for-profit organisation, the opportunity is practical. Used well, AI can reduce administrative burden, assist with research and reporting, support planning and communications, and improve internal efficiency. Every hour saved behind a desk is time that can be redirected to frontline impact.

Importantly, the training focused on responsible use - understanding how AI tools work, why they sometimes get things wrong, and how to apply strong governance, ethical oversight, and protection of intellectual property and data.

Our rangatahi, particularly Gen Z, are already digital natives. They have grown up immersed in technology. As an organisation focused on future generations - what foundation and opportunity will it offer a future Taiwhenua? 

If Te Taiwhenua succeeds in AI, we will leave future generations not just services, but a living indigenous intelligence system - one that protects identity, predicts wellbeing, and enables true rangatiratanga in everyday life.

AI is a tool. Our tikanga, our relationships, and our commitment to whānau remain the foundation.

By building capability now, we are positioning Te Taiwhenua to be innovative, efficient and future-focused - ensuring technology strengthens our ability to deliver better outcomes for whānau.