Overview
AI is now embedded in New Zealand’s public sector reform agenda, following the 2025 release of New Zealand’s Strategy for Artificial Intelligence: Investing with confidence. With AI projected to contribute up to NZ$76 billion to GDP by 2038, agencies are under pressure to move beyond pilots and deliver measurable productivity gains. Leaders must navigate regulatory uncertainty, ethics and capability gaps while accelerating responsible adoption.
AI Leadership 2026 is a practical, in-person programme designed to equip senior public servants to translate national strategy into agency-level execution. The course strengthens strategic literacy, clarifies risk and governance settings, and identifies high-value use cases aligned to core public service outcomes. Participants leave with the confidence, tools and leadership approach required to embed AI safely, lift workforce capability, and deliver impact at scale.
Optional Follow-Up: Online Regroup & Advanced Coaching
Join us for a 90-minute virtual session on 4 August at 2:00 PM to further embed learning and accelerate workplace application. This optional but highly recommended session offers advanced coaching and peer exchange to deepen capability and support real-world implementation.
Who Should Attend?
AI Leadership 2026 is designed for senior decision-makers across central and local government who are accountable for strategy, policy, service delivery and organisational performance. This includes Deputy Chief Executives, Tier 2–3 leaders, General Managers, Directors, Heads of Function, and equivalent roles within councils and council-controlled organisations. The programme is suited to leaders without a technical background who are responsible for governance, risk and investment decisions, as well as senior digital, data and technology leaders seeking to influence enterprise-wide adoption. Participants should have remit over people, budgets or strategic direction, and a mandate to progress AI-enabled change within their agency or council.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
Build a foundational understanding of AI, with a focus on practical applications
Develop a foundational and strategic understanding of AI, with a focus on real-world applications
Identify and prioritise AI opportunities within their teams or agencies
Apply practical methods to experiment safely and accelerate AI-driven innovation
Redesign existing workflows to embed AI into everyday services
Draft a tailored AI strategy statement to guide adoption and scaling
Strengthen their AI leadership capability to guide teams through digital transformation.
In-person Training
AI Leadership- Equipping Leaders and Teams for AI at Work
Session details
Stay ahead of the curve by developing your AI Leadership capabilities. This course provides practical strategies and approaches to leverage Artificial Intelligence for better decision-making, innovation and organisational advancement. Attending this course positions you at the forefront of organisational transformation, equipped with the strategic clarity needed to realise the full potential of AI while mitigating associated risks.
Participants have reported significant impact and advancements by applying the AI leadership capabilities developed by completing this course.
Course Information:
AI Leadership- Equipping Leaders and Teams for AI at Work
21 July 2026 | 9:00 am to 4:30 pm NZDT
Wellington, New Zealand
Facilitated by: Dave Wild
No previous experience necessary
Key Sessions
8:45AM Arrival & Coffee
9:00AM Welcome & Objectives
9:15AM Module 1: AI Foundations
- Explore the fundamentals of AI and organisational opportunities
Module 2: AI Innovation
- Learn how to accelerate progress with practical AI experiments
11:15 AM Break
11:30 AM Module 3: AI Strategy
- Understand the strategic limitations and power of AI systems
12:30 PM Lunch
1:15 PM Module 4: AI Integration
- Advance with AI integrated into daily workflows and services
2:15 PM Break
2:30 PM Module 5: AI Leadership
- Lead collaborative teams working alongside AI agents
4:30 PM Reflections & Closing Remarks
5:00 PM End of Day
Meet Your Facilitator
Dave Wild
Futurist Speaker / Facilitator / Leadership – Author of Futurework
Internationally renowned Futurist Dave Wild is a leading expert in developing the future-focused leadership skills essential for navigating technological transformations.
Based in Aotearoa New Zealand, Dave works globally – including facilitating innovation labs across sectors and advising Digital Government Leaders from the UK to South Korea. Dave brings extensive real-world experience guiding diverse organisations to successfully integrate emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence.
His approach combines strategic vision with practical implementation expertise, equipping leaders with the capabilities needed to manage the risks of AI while advancing with its transformative power
Register Today
Join this training for professionals working within the Public Sector
Extra Early Bird
Ends 8 May
$NZ 950
per person + tax $400 savingEarly Bird
Ends 5 Jun
$1,150
per person + tax $200 savingRegular
Ends 20 Jul
$NZ 1350
per person + taxFor group or payment enquiries or custom training solutions, please contact [email protected]
Customised in-house options available for teams
Interested in any of our online trainings?
You can also choose to have them delivered in house. We will work closely with our inspiring session facilitators to tailor the content around the key development areas your team are prioritising, shape the learning outcomes around your core departmental challenges and make the most of your L&D and upskilling budget.
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