Strong AI adoption requires more than tools and technology. It relies on collaboration, effective governance and an engaged professional community.

Learn about our partnerships, explore governance resources, and find opportunities to connect and participate in the Engineering and AI programme.

Whether you're an engineer, researcher, technology specialist, student or organisational leader, we'd love to hear from you.

Partnerships

Collaboration is at the heart of the Engineering and AI programme. We’re actively partnering with national and international organisations to ensure Aotearoa New Zealand’s engineering community is at the forefront of ethical, effective and future-focused use of artificial intelligence.

To support this vision, we’re working with following key partners across professional bodies, academia and standards development to shape how AI is integrated into engineering practice.

AI Forum NZ – AEC Working Group

We’re members of the Artificial Intelligence Forum of New Zealand (AI Forum NZ), actively contributing to the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Working Group. This collaboration allows us to connect with a broad network of innovators across industry, government and academia to explore how AI is transforming the built environment – from design automation to smart infrastructure.

Engineers Australia – shared Learning and Innovation

Our partnership with Engineers Australia brings a valuable trans-Tasman perspective to AI in engineering. We're in the process of working on shared education initiatives, professional development opportunities and guidance to support engineers navigating emerging technologies responsibly.

New Zealand Universities – academic insight on the AI Advisory Committee

Representatives from leading New Zealand universities play a key role in our AI Advisory Committee, helping ensure our programme is grounded in research and reflects the latest academic thinking. Their input supports the development of AI policy and practice that is evidence-based and relevant to future engineering challenges.

Standards and Accreditation Board – evolving practice

We are working closely with the New Zealand Standards and Accreditation Board to ensure that accreditation criteria evolve alongside engineering practice. As AI reshapes workflows and decision-making processes, this collaboration helps to align standards with modern, AI-integrated approaches to engineering professionalism.

Innovation Activator partnership

The Innovation Activator is a Callaghan Innovation off-shoot venture founded by former Callaghan Innovation staff – each bringing 10–35+ years of commercialisation, deep-tech R&D and sector innovation expertise. The venture helps Kiwi companies turn advanced technology and research into market-ready solutions, AI adoption support and investment-readiness services to scale business growth.

Engineering New Zealand is working with the Innovation Activator to continue the ‘AI Innovation for Growth’ workshop series. These hands-on sessions give engineers and business leaders insights on how AI is rapidly evolving, how to identify high-impact AI productivity and high-value R&D opportunities, map realistic growth plans and connect with the wider AI innovation network. The workshops are delivered in-person regionally and can be eligible for co-funding for businesses with less than 50 employees through the Regional Business Partner Network.

Learn more

Governance and leadership

As AI technologies are adopted across engineering and infrastructure, good governance is essential.

Whether you're leading an engineering firm, sitting on a board, or advising a council or utility provider, strong AI governance enables confident decision-making and safeguards your organisation from emerging risks.

Key resources and initiatives

Institute of Directors in New Zealand (IoD) – AI Board Governance
The IoD offers clear guidance for board directors navigating the implications of AI. Their resources outline directors’ responsibilities in overseeing AI use, including accountability, transparency, and the ethical deployment of AI-enabled systems.
Explore the IoD’s AI board guidance

IoD – AI Governance for Boards Training
A practical training programme designed specifically for New Zealand board members and senior leaders. This course explores the risks and opportunities of AI, how to ask the right questions, and how to ensure oversight of complex and fast-moving technologies.
Learn more about upcoming sessions

AI Forum NZ – AI Governance Frameworks
AI Forum NZ provides sector-specific governance tools and reports to help organisations set clear internal policies, ethical review processes, and regulatory engagement strategies. Their guidance is particularly relevant to the AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction) sector.
Access governance resources

Getting involved

The Engineering and AI programme brings together engineers, researchers, industry leaders and regulators to explore how AI can support safe, ethical, and effective engineering practice in Aotearoa. We’re building practical tools, sharing case studies and informing national conversations about responsible AI deployment.

Ways to participate:

  • Share your expertise – contribute to our LinkedIn group, the webinar series or case studies
  • Stay informed – keep up to date with our newsletters, webinars and guidance
  • Test or pilot AI tools – help evaluate new approaches for engineering workflows
  • Raise a challenge or opportunity – we want to hear about emerging issues and practical applications
  • Tell us what you need on your AI journey – tell us what additional support can we give you on your AI journey

We welcome participation from:

  • Practising engineers across all disciplines
  • AI developers and technical specialists
  • Academic researchers and students
  • Māori and iwi-led organisations exploring data and automation
  • Regulators and public sector professionals

Help shape the future

Your insights can help ensure that AI in engineering serves people, protects the environment, and aligns with the values of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Join the conversation
Connect and share on the Engineering and AI LinkedIn Group.

Want to know how else you can get involved? Get in touch