Sustainable AI Series: Sustainable and Sovereign AI for Aotearoa
Description
AI is here. Our real choice is whether we shape how it is powered and delivered here — or let someone else, somewhere else, make those decisions for us.
New Zealand has something the world’s data-centre builders want: largely renewable electricity, a cool climate and room to grow. Proposals for South Island sites now add up to more than a gigawatt of power.
That could be a once-in-a-generation opportunity — but only if we ask the right questions.
If we host AI here, who benefits? Who controls the data, the models and the income? And what are the risks if we do nothing?
We are at a pivotal moment in determining how AI capability is built, accessed and governed.
Join us in Christchurch for the final event in our nationwide Sustainable AI Series, as we explore what sustainable and sovereign AI could mean for Canterbury and all of Aotearoa.
More details to be announced soon.
Date: 5 November 2026
Time: 5:00PM - 7:30PM
Location: EPIC Centre Christchurch 100 Manchester Street, Christchurch Central City
Event Type: In person
Cost: Free for members & for non-Members
Speakers
Louisa Taylor (Moderator)
Sam Kivi, DataGrid (https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-kivi-51805b30/)
Karaitiana Taiuru
and more to be announced
Supported by:
We respectfully ask that all participants planning to attend an in person event are healthy and well. Should you be unable to attend due to illness or isolation we request that you stay home. Please advise if you are unable to attend by emailing events@techalliance.nz with your name and the event date.
Lineup
Nasrine Tomasi - Head of AI and Information Management - Mott MacDonald
Nasrine Tomasi is Mott MacDonald’s Head of AI and Information Management, leading the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence across the global business. With 20 years at Mott MacDonald, she combines deep technical expertise with a passion for knowledge sharing, helping teams harness AI to deliver better outcomes for clients.
Jon Sinclair Digital Services Director - Preformance Building Technologies AEC WG Deputy Chair – AI Forum
Jon Sinclair is Digital Services Director at Preformance Building Technologies, helping clients harness data, digital technologies and AI to improve the performance of buildings and infrastructure. He is a strong advocate for treating asset data as a strategic asset, enabling smarter decisions, greater productivity and better long-term outcomes across the built environment.
Nick Brown Head of Intelligence, Healthy Waters & Flood Resilience – Auckland Council
With more than 25 years' experience in flood risk management, Nick Brown leads the development of flood intelligence, warning systems and risk communication programmes across Auckland. Nick has played a key role in shaping the region's approach to flood risk assessment and recovery, including leading flood recovery and property categorisation efforts following the 2023 Auckland Anniversary floods and Cyclone Gabrielle.
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