Written by Dr Craig Hansen, New Zealand’s leading AI educator, digital specialist, and founder of the Summit Institute.
More than 1,000 schools across New Zealand trust Craig and the Summit Institute—a New Zealand private training provider—to navigate safe and responsible AI in schools, professional development, and strategic roadmaps. As we enter the next phase of this global shift, we must address the ultimate paradigm: “AI is the biggest equity move we can make in our generation.”
There is no charge or fee or financial commitment to join the CoL.
If your Kahui Ako is continuing through self-funding, join the Te Ara Teitei Community of Learning (CoL) so your lead teacher is inspired, supported and resourced in 2026 to deliver expanded PLD opportunities.
We do require your participation in the learning opportunities (fully funded) which includes:
1. one online staff meeting each term in 2026, during your usual day & time – Dr Craig Hansen will beam in via Google Meeting (a Google form will be shared with dates & time for you to choose),
2. join or host (if you are willing to supply a venue) an AI breakfast or afternoon tea in your local area in 2026 (usually 8-11AM or 1-230PM) once in 2026, and,
3. share with our CoL your AI policies & ongoing practices to inspire & support your colleagues across the motu.
This Community of Learning is highly productive for all schools in Aotearoa New Zealand, both high schools and primary or specialist schools, state, integrated and private.
Additional opportunities that you may choose to join::
- subsidised NZQA accredited AI micro-credentials,
NCEA (high school only) credit awarding L3 subsidised micro-credential in AI & business studies,
- MOE funded NZC Mathematics PLD (Craig is an approved national facilitator), and
- MOE funded Assessment PLD (Craig is an approved national facilitator).
To avoid systemic irrelevance, the first action for school boards and intermediate, secondary, and tertiary principals is to remove blanket bans. Banning a tool that is now ubiquitous only hides student usage while depriving them of prompt literacy and critical thinking. Craig argues that we must position AI as an assistant, not a replacement. Re-framing these environments allows Kiwi teachers and school leaders to navigate assessment workloads, lesson planning, and bicultural alignment efficiently, without compromising academic rigor.
💬 What New Zealand Educators Are Saying:
“AI has significantly improved my workflow by helping me plan lessons quickly, provide targeted feedback using e-asTTle rubrics, and create culturally responsive content. It saves time, allowing me to focus on active student interaction.”
— Primary School Digital Tech Lead, Auckland
Responsible AI Governance & Implementation
Developing a robust school AI policy that is safe, responsible, and culturally responsive is the cornerstone of strategy. Leaders in Aotearoa New Zealand must align school policy to support digital fluency, ensure data privacy, and protect critical assessment integrity under the NCEA. By integrating localized legislation directly into our curriculum and Te Mātaiaho framework maps, schools can build an environment that fosters innovative, self-directed learning.
For deep, step-by-step guidance, explore our complete list of educational strategies and workshops on our official YouTube Channel Masterclass.
