How AI is being applied across key sectors

Artificial intelligence is already helping New Zealand tackle climate change — but what’s working now, what’s ready to scale, and what’s emerging?

During New Zealand TechWeek, Smart Cities Council representative Mark Thomas participated in an online event exploring how AI is being applied across key sectors including agriculture, transport, energy, and the built environment to reduce emissions and build climate resilience.

The session highlighted practical use cases, explored barriers to adoption, and outlined what’s needed to accelerate impact.

Panelists include:

• Louise Aitken (Partner and Sustainability and Climate Lead, Deloitte NZ)
• Auriga Martin (CEO, Farm Focus; NZTech Sustainability Sub-board Member)
• Matt Lythe (CEO, Lynker Analytics; Managing Director, Prism; former NZ AI Forum Executive Committee member)
• Mark Thomas (Managing Director, Serviceworks; Co-Chair, NZTech Sustainability Sub-board; Regional Lead, Smart Cities Council).