We're available for media enquiries

VicAI offers student perspectives and expert commentary on artificial intelligence in Aotearoa. We work with journalists, researchers, and policymakers.

Media Contact
Spokespeople
Aroha Williams President
Dr. Marcus Lee Senior Advisor, School of Engineering & Computer Science

Additional spokespeople available on request for specific topics.

Student perspectives on AI that matter

Our members include computer science, law, commerce, and arts students — offering interdisciplinary perspectives that go beyond the technical. We can provide commentary, interviews, and panel participants on the following topics.

01

AI Safety & Alignment

Risks and safeguards in frontier AI systems. Our Safety & Governance team actively researches responsible AI development.

02

Large Language Models

How LLMs work, their capabilities and limitations, and their impact on education, work, and creative industries in New Zealand.

03

AI Ethics & Governance

Ethical frameworks for AI deployment, bias in algorithms, and the role of regulation in shaping responsible AI use in Aotearoa.

04

Maori Data Sovereignty

Indigenous perspectives on data governance, AI development through a Te Tiriti lens, and culturally informed technology practices.

05

AI in NZ Industry

How Wellington and New Zealand businesses are adopting AI, from public sector innovation to the local tech startup ecosystem.

06

Student Tech Careers

The student experience of entering the AI workforce, skills gaps, university AI education, and career pathways in Aotearoa.

Latest announcements

01 FEB 2026

VicAI Launches 2026 Programme with Record Membership

Victoria Artificial Intelligence Society opens the academic year with over 200 registered members and an expanded calendar of talks, workshops, and hackathons across Trimester 1.

announcement
15 JAN 2026

VicAI Partners with Anthropic for AI Safety Workshop Series

New partnership brings AI safety research expertise to Wellington students through a series of hands-on workshops at Kelburn Campus, beginning March 2026.

partnership
20 NOV 2025

VicAI Hackathon 2025 Winners Announced

Three student teams recognised for innovative AI solutions addressing public sector challenges in Aotearoa New Zealand. Over 80 participants competed across 24 hours.

event
10 SEPT 2025

VicAI Submits to Government Consultation on AI Regulation

Student-led submission to the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment draws on perspectives from computer science, law, and te ao Maori.

announcement
22 JUL 2025

VicAI and Xero Co-Host Industry Night on AI in Finance

Wellington's tech community gathered at Kelburn Campus for a panel discussion on machine learning applications in financial technology, featuring Xero engineers and VUW researchers.

event

For full press releases or additional information, contact contact@vicai.org.nz

How to reference VicAI

  • Organisation Name Use VicAI on first reference, followed by Victoria Artificial Intelligence Society in parentheses. Subsequent references may use VicAI alone.
  • Attribution Please attribute quotes to the named spokesperson and their role. Example: Aroha Williams, President of VicAI (Victoria Artificial Intelligence Society)
  • University Affiliation VicAI is a student-run club affiliated with Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington. We are not an official university department or research group.
  • Student Perspectives Our commentary represents student and community perspectives. For official university positions, please contact VUW Communications directly.
  • Images & Brand Contact us for approved logos and brand assets. Please do not modify or crop VicAI branding without prior agreement.

Working on a story?

We're happy to provide commentary, connect you with student voices, or supply background on AI topics relevant to Aotearoa.

contact@vicai.org.nz