What inspired aiia?

aiia was born from curiosity and a simple question: how can educators in Aotearoa stay up to speed with AI when access to quality professional development is limited?

As a principal and educator, I began exploring AI in the U.S. What started as curiosity quickly grew through additional professional learning, collaboration with colleagues, and lots of trial and error. Along the way, I have found tools to help me work smarter. 

When I started sharing this knowledge with others, the interest was clear. But without learning opportunities or PLD tailored to education here in Aotearoa, I decided to start delivering the PLD myself—and that’s where aiia began. 

Home-grown, face-to-face or online, and designed for your role and context. aiia workshops are platform-neutral, too; you won’t be sold a product or shown just one tool—we’ll cover what you need, using a range of AI tools to suit your goals. 

aiia also recognises the diversity of roles in each kura; teachers, support staff and school leaders each interact with AI differently. That’s why every aiia session is grounded in real-world use, underpinned by ethics, policy, and practical application.

aiia stands for AI in Aotearoa, because it matters that this work is local—your school, your values, and your learners bring the context that shapes every aiia workshop.

Ngā mihi nui

Jess Ward