The people behind VicAI

Arie Joe

Second-year Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence student. Passionate about making AI accessible to everyone from all backgrounds.

Angela Roberts

Hayden Lance

Hayden is a final year Actuarial Science and Economics Student at Victoria University of Wellington. He is currently President of Vic Nats and previously their Treasurer

Bazil Sanderson

Bazil is a second year student majoring in Artificial Intelligence.

Joshua Simmons

Hi, my name is Joshua. I am a third-year Bachelor of Science student at Victoria University of Wellington, majoring in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity with a minor in Data Science. I am passionate about leveraging AI to create meaningful, ethical, and human-centred solutions that improve decision-making and societal outcomes. In the long term, I aspire to work at the intersection of AI, data, and strategy, helping organisations adopt and implement responsible and impactful AI systems. I aim to contribute by promoting awareness of emerging AI trends, fostering an inclusive and collaborative community, and supporting initiatives that bridge the gap between technical innovation and real-world application.

Tatenda Tavingeyi

Tavingeyi is a PhD candidate in museum and heritage studies at Victoria Wellington University; his research focuses on the integration of Indigenous knowledge systems and technoscience for sustainable heritage management, drawing lessons from Southern Africa and the Pacific region. He has experience in working with communities to shape localized ethical AI grounded in cultural values. He has worked with An AI of Our Own, an initiative of the Cambodia Living Arts Project Coordinator promoting Global South-centric AI rooted in local governance frameworks. Blending the passion for heritage preservation and people-centered ethical AI development, committed to the practical empowerment of Indigenous communities towards the development of an inclusive and culture-sensitive AI.