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.

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.

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.

Luc Bouillier

Account Executive, Amazon Web Services (AWS)

Works with some of New Zealand's largest and most complex government organisations at Amazon Web Services, supporting their cloud adoption, AI, and digital transformation journeys.

Dr Abtin Maghsoodi

Associate Director and Lead Data Scientist, KPMG

Specialising in Agentic AI and enterprise AI implementation. Leads KPMGNZ’s AgentOps initiative and serves on the National AI and Algorithm Expert Advisory Group for Health New Zealand.