What we’re about
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The rapid, global investment in AI has triggered a 'geopolitical AI race', with nations competing for technological supremacy. This accelerated development is creating novel risks at an alarming rate.
To fully understand the landscape, we recommend reviewing [AISafety.com](https://www.aisafety.com/) an open source community with job advertisements, maps & diagrams, open projects, newsletters, self study guides and tools to help you engage in and navigate this rapidly emerging field.
If you're just getting started check out start here! 2 hour free course on the Future of AI
Valuable resources like the AI Incident Database and the MIT AI Risk Repository are now cataloguing over 3000 real-world examples where AI systems have failed or caused harm. These incidents range from biased hiring algorithms and autonomous vehicle accidents to privacy breaches and the spread of misinformation. These databases highlight the urgent need for careful, responsible, and ethical development as we deploy increasingly powerful AI systems.
Our Group's Mission
This group provides a vital local platform for navigating this complex landscape. Our core mission is to elevate the voices of AI researchers and interested speakers right here in Christchurch.
By focusing on local expertise, we aim to:
- Educate our community on the latest developments, opportunities, and risks associated with AI.
- Connect researchers, developers, students, and curious individuals with like-minded people.
- Foster a thoughtful and informed conversation about how Christchurch can responsibly engage with the AI revolution.
We believe that a well-informed local community is essential for harnessing the benefits of AI while mitigating its potential harms. Join us to be part of the conversation.
Other Notable Resources
Petition the NZ Government to regulate AI
Upcoming events
6
ISO/IEC 42001:2023 and the Regulatory Landscape Ahead for Organisations
Enterprise Precinct and Innovation Campus (EPIC), 100 Manchester Street, Christchurch, NZPre-Reading and Resources
- ISO/IEC 42001:2023(en), Information technology — Artificial intelligence — Management system
- ISO/IEC 42005:2025(en), Information technology — Artificial intelligence (AI) — AI system impact assessment
- ISO/IEC TS 42119-2:2025(en), Artificial intelligence — Testing of AI — Part 2: Overview of testing AI systems
Todd will detail how ISO/IEC 42001 can serve as the essential and best-practice Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS) for organisations, providing the blueprint to future-proof their business and prepare for possible regulation of how AI is implemented by adopting and deploying trustworthy, continuously improving, fit-
for-purpose and compliant-ready AI solutions while achieving measurable outcomes for organisations.
Todd Bowman is dedicated to advancing responsible AI adoption by organisations through a robust human-first strategy and governance. Todd and the BAIC Team help organisations globally move beyond simple talk of AI ethics to structured, measurable implementation. Additionally, Todd has a vision and drive to promote safe and responsible AI education for young people.
A key pillar of this approach is the Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS) international standard ISO/IEC 42001:2023, for which Todd is a certified third-party Lead Auditor. He is actively involved in shaping the future of AI governance, serving on the Standards New Zealand ISO/IEC JCT 1/SC 42 committee and as the deputy chair of the NZ AI Forum Architecture, Engineering & Construction Working Group.6 attendeesISO/IEC 42001:2023 and the Regulatory Landscape Ahead for Organisations
Enterprise Precinct and Innovation Campus (EPIC), 100 Manchester Street, Christchurch, NZPre-Reading and Resources
- ISO/IEC 42001:2023(en), Information technology — Artificial intelligence — Management system
- ISO/IEC 42005:2025(en), Information technology — Artificial intelligence (AI) — AI system impact assessment
- ISO/IEC TS 42119-2:2025(en), Artificial intelligence — Testing of AI — Part 2: Overview of testing AI systems
Todd will detail how ISO/IEC 42001 can serve as the essential and best-practice Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS) for organisations, providing the blueprint to future-proof their business and prepare for possible regulation of how AI is implemented by adopting and deploying trustworthy, continuously improving, fit-
for-purpose and compliant-ready AI solutions while achieving measurable outcomes for organisations.
Todd Bowman is dedicated to advancing responsible AI adoption by organisations through a robust human-first strategy and governance. Todd and the BAIC Team help organisations globally move beyond simple talk of AI ethics to structured, measurable implementation. Additionally, Todd has a vision and drive to promote safe and responsible AI education for young people.
A key pillar of this approach is the Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS) international standard ISO/IEC 42001:2023, for which Todd is a certified third-party Lead Auditor. He is actively involved in shaping the future of AI governance, serving on the Standards New Zealand ISO/IEC JCT 1/SC 42 committee and as the deputy chair of the NZ AI Forum Architecture, Engineering & Construction Working Group.8 attendees
Can We Build Humanity-First AI When Profit is King?
EPIC Innovation, 76/106 Manchester Street, Christchurch, NZAndeed Ma, a global leader in AI governance and co-author of the new book "AI for Humanity"
Andeed confronts the central tension in artificial intelligence today: the clash between Big Tech’s "profit-first" business models and the urgent need for AI centered on human values and safety.
While many chasing return on investment, who is managing the systemic risk?
Drawing on his leadership in developing international AI standards (ISO/IEC 42001) Andeed will dissect the tangible risks of profit-driven AI development. He will move beyond ethical theory to propose practical governance and risk management frameworks that can align AI's immense power with sustainable, humanity-first outcomes.
Join us for a critical discussion on how to build an AI future that is not only profitable but also serves the public good.16 attendees
⚡️ 5 Minute Lightening Talks: AI Safety & Ethics Showcase
EPIC Innovation, 76/106 Manchester Street, Christchurch, NZ🚀 Join us this January as we launch our 2026 season with a showcase of local perspectives on AI Safety and Ethics.
Christchurch is home to a growing community of thinkers, developers, and advocates navigating the complexities of Artificial Intelligence. This event is designed to bridge connections and spark debate through a series of rapid-fire Lightning Talks.
⚡️ The Format: Each speaker has exactly 5 minutes to introduce a concept, pose a question, or share a solution. This format prioritises clarity and engagement, allowing us to cover a wide breadth of topics in a single evening.
Featured Topics Include:
- AI Prompt Injection and Security
- Family dynamics and AI literacy
- Ethical frameworks for data
- Human psychology and companion bots
- AI evaluation methodologies
Call for Speakers Do you have an idea worth sharing? We are looking for voices from all backgrounds to round out our schedule.
👉 Submit your talk proposal here
Join us to network with like-minded individuals and gain a structured introduction to the most pressing topics in AI today.2 attendees
Past events
10
![AI Self Defence: Risks and Solutions [Virtual Webinar]](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/b/0/c/8/highres_531165256.jpeg)
![AI Mythbusting: A Practical Guide for Beginners [Virtual Webinar]](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/d/f/highres_530462783.jpeg)
