Day of AI Aotearoa New Zealand 2026 | Expressions of Interest Open

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future topic. It is already shaping how we learn, work and make decisions. The question is not whether our rangatahi will encounter AI, but whether they will understand it.

Students working together to explore digital technologies and AI literacy, reflecting the goals of Day of AI Aotearoa New Zealand.

Day of AI Aotearoa New Zealand is a national initiative designed to build AI literacy for students in Years 5 to 10 across Aotearoa.

Originally developed through the global Day of AI programme led by MIT RAISE and now delivered in more than 170 countries, this localised version has been adapted to reflect our curriculum, our contexts and our communities.

The 2026 programme is now seeking expressions of interest, alongside registrations for a pre-launch webinar on February 19th.

The goal is to ensure every young person has equitable access to foundational AI literacy skills, regardless of where they live or the resources available to their kura.

• Lessons can be delivered in a single day or across four sessions

• No computer science background is required for kaiako

• Materials are culturally responsive and aligned to both the New Zealand Curriculum and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa

• Students explore key ideas such as data, algorithms, bias, digital wellbeing and AI ethics

• Resources are classroom-ready, with professional learning support to build teacher confidence

• There is an Aotearoa-context student challenge designed to promote creativity, critical thinking and problem solving

• The programme is being developed in partnership with NZCER, EPIT and TENZ

• Participation is free for schools

  
  

Importantly, the focus is not just on how AI systems work, but on how AI influences daily life, identity, culture and decision-making. That wider lens feels particularly relevant in Aotearoa, where questions of equity, tikanga and ethical use of technology sit alongside innovation.

If you are thinking about how AI literacy might fit into your 2026 programme, this could be a practical starting point. Expressions of interest are open, and a pre-launch webinar (February 19) is available for those wanting to learn more.

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