AI and New Zealand’s next move: From your family to the world stage
Date
Tuesday, 19 May 2026 • 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday, 19 May 2026 • 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location
Queenstown, Otago
Crowne Plaza, 93 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Queenstown, Otago
Crowne Plaza, 93 Beach Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
A TechWeek Queenstown panel discussion hosted by the University of Otago
What does AI actually mean for New Zealand — for our businesses, our families, and our place on the world stage?
Join the University of Otago for a public panel discussion bringing together three global perspectives on AI’s real impact, moderated by Professor James Maclaurin, Deputy Vice-Chancellor.
Panellists:
- Misti McBeath – Managing Director (New Zealand), Palo Alto Networks
Leads Palo Alto Networks’ New Zealand operations and specialises in AI-driven cybersecurity solutions including Precision AI and automated security platforms designed to detect and respond to cyber threats at scale. - Koren O’Brien – Technology Specialist and AI Advocate, Amazon Web Services
Works with organisations across New Zealand to integrate AI and machine learning into business operations through cloud infrastructure while advocating for responsible and inclusive AI adoption. - Dr Abtin Maghsoodi – Associate Director and Lead Data Scientist, KPMG
Specialising in Agentic AI and enterprise AI implementation. Leads KPMG NZ’s AgentOps initiative and serves on the National AI and Algorithm Expert Advisory Group for Health New Zealand.
This is a conversation for business leaders, operators, and professionals in the Queenstown Lakes region who want to cut through the noise and understand what AI means in practice — for their organisations, their people, and their communities.
This event opens a week of AI executive education at the University of Otago in Queenstown — part of a growing programme designed for senior leaders navigating AI in their organisations.
More details here: https://www.otago.ac.nz/business/ai-residency