Deloitte presents: Perspectives in data: Building Aotearoa's future with Databricks and Tech Women (Wellington)
Description
Many organisations are looking past the hype to understand how data and AI can deliver real value for New Zealand. Beyond the buzzwords, real impact comes from people making deliberate choices. From big-picture strategy to hands-on delivery, it’s human judgement and experience that turn complex data into solutions that improve businesses and communities.
Join Deloitte, Databricks and Tech Women for an evening of straight‑talking insights into how organisations are turning data and analytics into real‑world outcomes, shared by the people doing the mahi. Through short lightning talks and an open panel discussion, three women in data will share personal stories and lessons learned from real data projects across the public and private sectors.
Aligned with Techweek’s Governance pillar, this session focuses on the frameworks and ways of working that support the responsible use of data and AI. It also aligns with the Growth pillar, exploring how effective data use can help grow New Zealand’s economy.
What to expect at the event:
Lightning talks with practical lessons from real-world data projects
A candid panel discussion with live audience Q&A
Networking with peers across the public and private sectors
This event is for anyone interested in how data and AI can be used thoughtfully to support better decisions, stronger services, and a more innovative Aotearoa. You’ll leave with practical perspectives, fresh ideas, and new connections.
Speakers
Annabel Snow
Artificial Intelligence and Data Manager – Deloitte Annabel has been taming messy real-world data as an ontologist (someone who defines concepts and relationships in data) since well before knowledge graphs and ontologies became AI buzzwords. Today Annabel uses those foundations to help clients build more effective and trustworthy AI tools. She will share stories from the often-invisible layer of data work – where agreeing on meaning, intent, and context separates useful insight from confident nonsense.
Tristana Bessler
Public Sector Account Manager – Databricks Tristana works with over 30 organisations from “day 3” to “year 3” of their technology transformations. Where there’s tech, there’s people, and that’s where she delights and delivers. Her specialty is the often-forgotten world of people governance... which many remember last. She shares stories of what goes right (and wrong), so others do not have to learn the hard way.
Ellen Twiss
Data and Development Team Leader - Tertiary Education Commission Ellen works where technology, people, and delivery meet. Drawing on experience across public and private sector — and using the mindset of an athlete — she shares practical stories about bridging technical and business teams, lifting standards, and getting good work done.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
