Name: AI Safety New Zealand Conference 2026
Start: 2026-07-04T09:30:00.000+12:00
End: 2026-07-05T16:30:00.000+12:00
Location: EPIC Christchurch (Enterprise Precinct and Innovation Campus)

Personal

Emma Humphrey

AI Safety Australia & New Zealand presents Aotearoa’s inaugural AI Safety Conference, dedicated to discussing and building the frameworks - technical, ethical, regulatory, and otherwise - needed to ensure transformative AI is beneficial for New Zealand and the wider world.

This conference is designed for professionals and specialists with a vested interest in the responsible trajectory of AI in Aotearoa, including:

The first day focuses on establishing a baseline of critical knowledge regarding the current and future landscape of AI risk.

The second day shifts from theoretical understanding to applied safety measures and project acceleration.

 Facilitating a sustainable network for AI safety collaboration across New Zealand’s academic, public sector, and commercial sectors.

 Equipping attendees with a deep understanding of AI risks and the specific strategies required to mitigate them.

 Showcasing high-impact domestic and international projects that advance the field of AI alignment and safety.

 Enabling talent transition into AI safety through exposure to fellowships, scholarships, and global industry placements.

To ensure this event provides the highest possible value for every attendee, we have designed a curated application process. 

 focused on genuine knowledge exchange—not sales pitches— by bringing together a unique mix of perspectives from academia, policy, and industry.

 We’re prioritising creating an environment for meaningful connection, and space is limited, so we won’t be able to accept all applications. 

We may also need to use a waiting list - if we do, we’ll do our best to keep you updated.

Entry via the main central door on Manchester Street

AI Safety New Zealand Conference 2026

Michael Kerrison

Complete Experience. Includes Day 1 (Theory & Foundations) and Day 2 (Action & Implementation). Access all lectures, networking events, and collaborative workshops.

Full Conference (Sat & Sun)

Focus: AI Risk Landscape. Includes technical lectures, networking, and fellowship/company exhibitions to establish a baseline of critical AI safety knowledge.

Day 1: Theory & Foundations

Focus: Applied Safety. Features project acceleration through Roundtables, the UnConference Model, and deep-dive collaborative sessions.

Day 2: Action & Impact

For Academics, Post-Docs, PhD and Masters Students. Please include links to your Google Scholar, published research , or academic profile  in your application. Travel grants and scholarships are additionally available. Please reach out to event organiser emma.ai.strategy@gmail.com

Academic & Researcher Rate

For public sector civil servants working for organisations such as local councils, government bodies e.g MBIE, Stats NZ, ECAN & MPs and their administrative teams