What is Young Kiwis in AI?

Young Kiwis in AI is a New Zealand community for students, early-career developers, and founders who are building with artificial intelligence. We run online and in-person events across Aotearoa to help young people connect, learn, and grow in the AI space.

Who can join Young Kiwis in AI?

Anyone based in New Zealand who is interested in AI is welcome. Whether you’re a university student, self-taught developer, early-career professional, or a founder building an AI product — if you’re young and keen, you belong here.

Fill out the short join form on our website and we’ll send you an invite to our Discord community. From there you can access channels, events, and connect with other members.

Where does Young Kiwis in AI operate?

We’re a nationwide community with in-person meetups rolling out across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Dunedin, Nelson, Tauranga, Palmerston North, Napier-Hastings, and New Plymouth. We also hold monthly online catchups on Discord.

Yes, Young Kiwis in AI is completely free to join. Our events are also free to attend.

What happens at events?

Events vary — from relaxed online catchups and lightning talks to in-person meetups with guest speakers, networking, and pizza. We focus on practical AI topics, real project demos, and building genuine connections.

Blog

Talks & articles from the community

Write-ups of talks and sessions from Young Kiwis in AI. Watch the video or read the article, whichever you prefer.

27 May 20267 min read

Breaking Into AI: Advice From Young Kiwi AI Engineers

Georgia Singleton, an AI engineer at Trade Me, and Brodie Dye, a junior AI integration engineer at Zuru, share how they broke into AI and their advice for the next wave.

Read article

27 April 20266 min read

Young Kiwis in AI: April Meetup

Member spotlights from the April Young Kiwis in AI meetup: Courtney King of Stitch Systems on marketing automation, and Donncha Hand of BlueHorizon AI on automating the insurance industry.

Read article

28 March 20268 min read

Speaking To New Zealand Students About AI

Blake Harkness on going from electronics student to AI engineer in just over a year, and what every young New Zealander should do to make the most of where AI is heading.

Read article