AI Sovereignty: What is it, and can / should New Zealand try to have it?

Date and time: 12 noon, May 3rd 2026

Topic: AI Sovereignty: What is it, and can / should New Zealand try to have it?

Description: Even before AI became so ubiquitous there were concerns about the implications of the dominance of a small number of technology companies. That has only grown as AI has become more common and more powerful. All of that has given rise to discussions of AI Sovereignty. In this seminar, we will discuss what that is, whether New Zealand could achieve it fully or partially, and if it should try.

We are going to experiment with alternative formats for these seminars, so for this one, please try to read the following before attending as we will be aiming for more discussion among the group.

· https://datasociety.net/points/rethinking-ai-sovereignty-in-and-from-the-majority-world/ · https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/C51560626AF518BDF280891C406E9553/S2977042425100071a.pdf/sovereign-ai-in-2025.pdf

There may also be a speaker (TBA), but doing the reading will also help you think about questions you want to ask if there is.