This will include both drop-in and scheduled visits with a ‘subscription-carousel’ of AI tools and software in an unintimidating, collaborative, community-building space.

It is the intention of the NAIS's larger mission to undertake a range of activities related to community outreach focused on AI:

• Schools Extension Program
• Maori Facilitation Program
• Business Outreach Program
• Creative Community Access Program
• Local Government Introduction Program

The Nelson AI Sandbox will empower and educate the Nelson-Tasman community in the use of artificial intelligence to create more prosperity, productivity, and opportunity in the community.

• Come in and have a play with AI
• Free For All To Use - We are a non-profit.
• Tech newbie or tech expert – all are welcome.
• Is Artificial Intelligence a threat, or a tool to be used? You decide.
• We have the latest AI engines, tools, apps, AI assistants and plug-ins. Give it a go!
• Self-exploration, or guided tour of AI
• Bring your own device, or use one of ours.

Some data:

1. New Zealand makes a poor showing in a recent report from Oxford Insights that looks at governmental artificial intelligence readiness. The Government AI Readiness Index 2023, released in December, ranks NZ 49th out of the193 countries included, sandwiched between Latvia and Oman. The report aimed to answer the question: “How ready is a given government to implement AI (artificial intelligence) in the delivery of public services to their citizens?”
2. The NZ AI Forum Conducted a Survey

Some notable findings:

• “AI has the potential to increase New Zealand GDP by up to 54 billion dollars.”
• “44% consider education as a key barrier to AI adoption.”
• “52% say that AI will be, or already is, a game changer in their organisation.”
• “AI frees people up to focus on more complex, high- value tasks.”
• New Zealand organisations are not taking AI, or the competitive pressure that AI will create, seriously.
• AI powered learning systems could be developed to help individuals at all stages of their working life who need to upskill.
• The traditional model of learn, work, retire will become increasingly irrelevant as AI and other automation technologies reshape the way we engage with work and society. Current roles will be reshaped, others displaced and entirely new roles created. Regardless of individual role changes, access to lifelong learning will become increasingly essential. In the years to come There will be a growing need to retrain adult workers.