Kōkiri AI Lab: Empowering Young Innovators to Shape the Future

At Kōkiri AI Lab, students gain the skills and confidence to thrive in a world shaped by artificial intelligence and rapid change. Our programmes focus on developing practical capabilities that give young people real agency over their futures.

• Master AI literacy to understand and use new technologies creatively and responsibly.
• Solve real-world problems through design thinking and hands-on innovation.
• Strengthen resilience and adaptability by learning through experimentation and challenge.
• Collaborate and lead with strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Create positive impact by designing projects that address real community needs.
• Develop ethical awareness to navigate technology’s role in society with responsibility.

The Kōkiri AI Lab is being developed throughout 2025 to create a practical, future-focused learning space for 9–14-year-olds, with the first programmes set to launch in 2026. Based initially in Whanganui, the Lab will offer local students an opportunity to build essential skills for a world shaped by artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and rapid change.

​At Kōkiri AI Lab, students will:

• Build AI literacy: Understanding how artificial intelligence works, how to use it responsibly, and how to critically engage with new technologies.
• Develop creative problem-solving skills: Using design thinking and project-based learning to tackle real-world challenges and develop innovative solutions.
• Grow adaptability and resilience: Strengthening collaboration, critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and the ability to navigate complex problems.
• Connect learning to real-world outcomes: Creating practical projects that have a positive impact at school, in their communities, and beyond.

The Lab is grounded in the belief that young people learn best through doing. Our programmes will blend hands-on projects, collaborative challenges, and individual exploration, encouraging students to experiment, reflect, and take ownership of their learning journey.
Development during 2025 focuses on establishing a purpose-built learning environment, designing future-focused programmes, and building partnerships with educators, technologists, and community mentors to ensure a strong foundation for launch.
Kōkiri — meaning to move forward with energy and purpose — reflects the spirit we aim to foster: the confidence to explore, the skills to innovate, and the drive to make a positive difference.

Kōkiri AI Lab will initially be available to learners in Whanganui, with future plans to expand access as the programme grows.
By 2026, the Lab will open its doors to students ready to engage with the opportunities and challenges of a changing world — and equipped to help shape its future.