AI & The Future of Work
Session 1 — Wednesday 25 March 2026 | 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm academyEX Pikopiko, Auckland Our March HER WAKA session focuses on Artificial Intelligence and the evolving tech job market in 2026. This session will help participants understand how AI is influencing job opportunities, recruitment trends, and the skills that matter most right now.What to Expect
- A dynamic AI Panel Discussion featuring industry professionals
- A short, hands-on workshop exploring practical AI tools and how they are shaping workplaces — by the end, each participant will have created something on their own computer
- A special guest speaker from RCSA sharing insights into the 2026 tech hiring landscape and what employers are looking for
Event Schedule
| Time | Duration | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 11:30 – 12:00 | 30 min | Setup and registration |
| 12:00 – 12:10 | 10 min | Welcome, karakia, and SheSharp introduction |
| 12:10 – 12:45 | 35 min | Panel — AI & Future of Jobs 2026 |
| 12:45 – 12:55 | 10 min | Q&A |
| 12:55 – 13:05 | 10 min | Break and group photo |
| 13:05 – 13:20 | 15 min | RCSA session — Tech job market updates |
| 13:20 – 13:50 | 30 min | Hands-on AI activity |
| 13:50 – 14:00 | 10 min | Closing |
Panel Speakers
Chan Meng
Dr. Mahsa McCauley
Dr. Mahsa McCauley is Chair of the AI Forum New Zealand and a leading expert in artificial intelligence whose work bridges technology, education and policy. She is an Associate Professor of AI at Auckland University of Technology and a Fulbright Scholar, with research spanning AI, machine learning, IoT and cybersecurity. She is the Founder and Director of SheSharp Charitable Trust, a volunteer-led organisation supporting women in technology. In January 2026, she was appointed Communication and Information Commissioner for the New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO. She is a recognised public speaker and commentator on AI, cybersecurity and the future of work.Nikita Kumari
Nikita Kumari is a PMP-certified Product and Project Manager with over 6 years of experience delivering AI and digital products in B2B SaaS. She began her career as a Python developer, building a strong technical foundation before moving into product and agile delivery roles. Her work includes hands-on involvement in AI and machine learning initiatives, focused on real business outcomes — improving decision-making, automating workflows, and enhancing user experience. Now based in Auckland, she is passionate about practical leadership and sharing honest insights from her journey — especially for professionals building careers in product, tech, and AI in a new country.Meeta
Speaker details coming soon.Chan Meng
Senior AI/ML Infrastructure and Full-Stack Engineer. Founding Engineer at Gavigo, CTO at Sanicle. UN CSW 69 speaker.
Dr. Mahsa McCauley
Chair of AI Forum NZ. Associate Professor of AI at AUT. Founder of SheSharp. UNESCO Commissioner (2026).
Nikita Kumari
PMP-certified Product Manager. 6+ years in AI/digital products. B2B SaaS, cross-functional leadership.
Meeta
Details coming soon.
Guest Speaker
RCSA representative — sharing insights into the 2026 tech hiring landscape, recruitment trends, and what employers are looking for.Prerequisites
- No prior tech experience required
- You must bring your own laptop to fully participate in the hands-on activity
- Come ready to explore and ask questions
What You Will Learn
- What AI is and how it is being used in workplaces today
- How AI is influencing job opportunities and recruitment trends
- The skills that matter most in the 2026 tech job market
- How to use practical AI tools in your job search
- What employers and recruiters are looking for right now
Register
Register on Humanitix
Secure your spot for the March 25 session. Places are limited.
This workshop is hands-on and interactive. See the hands-on exercises for details on what you will be building during the session.