Why New Zealand
Why New Zealand specifically?
Global tech companies are building AI at an incredible pace, but everyday Kiwis are the ones living with its impact.
New Zealand is deeply integrated into the Western tech ecosystem. We use the exact same global tools as the US and Europe, which means those systems are already showing up in our workplaces, schools, media and more. But because we are a smaller market, these technologies are rarely built with our local context in mind. We believe Kiwis deserve clear, jargon-free information. Understanding exactly how AI is impacting us is the first step to making informed choices and keeping our country safe.
What we do
What we do
We are an independent public education initiative. We research, translate, and communicate AI safety issues specifically for a New Zealand audience.
That means breaking down complex technical concepts into plain language and looking closely at the real-world risks hitting our communities today. We give ordinary people the straightforward facts they need to understand the technology, protect their personal data, and ask good questions of the businesses and decision-makers shaping our world.
Principles
How we work
Make the technical accessible. Make the local specific. Show the evidence. Name the trade-offs.
Independent
No industry, no party.
Evidence-based
Everything we publish is cited and checkable.
Accessible
Technical without jargon.
Relevant
We focus on the everyday risks affecting Kiwis right now, not just future hypotheticals.
FAQ / He pātai
Frequently asked questions
Funding and independence
Who funds AISA? Are you funded by AI companies?
No. AISA is currently self-funded. We don't take money from AI companies, tech lobbyists, or political parties, and we never will. If our funding situation changes, we'll update this page to say exactly who's funding us and why.
Are you affiliated with any international AI safety organisations?
We're an independent New Zealand organisation. We stay in touch with groups working on similar issues, and we share ideas where it's useful. We're not owned by, merged with, or formally affiliated with any of them. AISA's positions are our own.
Where we stand
Is AISA anti-AI?
No. We're pro-responsible development and deployment. AI is already changing how New Zealanders work, learn, and get information, and that's not going to reverse. Our focus is making sure it's built and used in ways that don't harm New Zealanders.
Is AISA connected to a political party?
No. We're non-partisan and don't endorse candidates or parties. Where we track things like the general election, it's to inform the public about how AI is being used in political communication, not to campaign for any side.
Do you believe AI is going to destroy humanity?
That's not where we focus our energy. We spend our time on harms that are already showing up in New Zealand right now: deepfakes, scams, misinformation, and job displacement. Long-term risks get plenty of attention elsewhere. Our focus is bringing attention to today's problems.
How we work
Where does your information come from?
A mix of primary sources: official reporting, court records, company statements, and verified incident reports, cross-checked against each other. We link our sources rather than asking you to take our word for it.
Do you take a position on specific AI companies or products?
We track incidents because they're publicly reported and relevant to New Zealanders, not because we're taking sides for or against any one company. The same standard applies whoever's involved.
Getting involved
How can I get involved or volunteer?
We're always keen to hear from people who want to help, whether that's writing, video, research, or just spreading the word. Get in touch.
Do you accept donations, and how would they be used?
Not currently. AISA is self-funded for now. If that changes, we'll be upfront here about where the money goes.
What happens to my information if I contact you or sign up for something?
Short version: we don't sell your data, we don't spam you, and we only use it for what you signed up for. See our full Privacy Policy for the details.
How do I report an AI-related incident?
You can submit it directly through the Incident Tracker, or get in touch with us.
The team
The people behind it
Allan Mbita
Founder
Allan started AI Safety Aotearoa out of a conviction that the risks of how AI is being developed and used weren't being communicated to enough New Zealanders. He keeps the work technically rigorous while making sure it stays relevant to life here, and runs the organisation's social media presence.
Thomas Powell
Outreach
Thomas works to bring AI Safety Aotearoa into local communities, translating the complexities of AI governance into something accessible and relevant for everyday New Zealanders. He has a particular interest in how AI intersects with mental health, and the human side of how these technologies affect people's lives.
The team members of AI Safety Aotearoa contribute to this initiative in their personal capacities. Any views, policies, or positions expressed on this website are exclusively those of AI Safety Aotearoa and do not reflect the views or official positions of the members' respective employers or affiliated organisations.