AI for the Environment 2023

Join us as we discuss the recommendations from our AI for the Environment Report published last year, the New Zealand-wide hackathon series that followed, and how we plan to follow it up in 2023. 

The hackathon series ran across six centres, involved more than 14 sponsors, and attracted more than 220 participants. It brought people with rare skill sets together around environmental issues that affect us all, with some amazing results. International interest helped put Aotearoa at the forefront of work in this field.

Hear from experts Natasha Lewis (MfE), Matt Lythe (Managing Director, Lynker Analytics and AI Forum Executive Council Member), Tim Bradley (Strategic Advisor, New Zealand and Australia, AWS) and representatives from our Kahui Maori Atamai Iahiko, and be part of the conversation.

Event Summary

Date: Wednesday, 15 February, 2023

Time: 5.30pm – 7.30pm

Location: Ministry for the Environment and Stats NZ, 8 Willis Street, Wellington Central, Wellington 6011

Event Type: Physical

Cost: Free for members & $25 for non-members

Supported by

Speakers

Matt Lythe - Managing Director - Lynker Analytics

Matt has a background in environmental science, geospatial data, technology and analytics. He has managed multinational data, technology and analytics projects. He is a member of the NZ AI Forum Executive Council and the AI for Good Council. Matt holds a MSc. (Hons) from the University of Auckland and has ten publications in peer reviewed journals.

Natasha Lewis - Deputy Secretary - Ministry for the Environment

Natasha has worked at MfE since 2008, before that holding roles with the Wellington and Tasman Councils and a government role in Laos. Natasha is an authentic leader who is committed to the environment sector and the opportunity that the ministry has to be at the forefront of real change. In partnership with Statistics NZ she leads our environmental reporting programme, and the growth of our engagement with young people.

Tim Bradley - Strategic Advisor, New Zealand and Australia - AWS

Tim’s current role focuses on initiatives that build the digital economy. Tim has nearly two decades of experience in economic development, including senior positions within the Australian Government’s Department of Industry, Science and Resources, where he was responsible for developing Australia’s first national AI strategy. He is a member of the National AI Centre’s industry expert advisory panel, is an economist, and has Masters degrees in Commercial Law (Melbourne) and Political Economy (Sydney), and a Bachelor of Economics (Hons) (ANU).