Our background and purpose
Our mission is to engage with AI for the benefit of everyone.
VicAI is built on the belief that artificial intelligence should be shaped and used for the benefit of everyone, including every industry, every discipline, and every community.
Background & Purpose
VicAI was founded in 2026 by students from Victoria University of Wellington, the goal is to bring together curious and passionate people across diverse backgrounds into a community that would collaborate and contribute to AI for a better future.
What defines us is our culture of openness. Our community is committed to the learning, building, and sharing of knowledge and skills. We each share the same passion to build together and help each other grow.
Wellington's tech ecosystem is thriving. Companies like Xero, TradeMe, and Soul Machines were born here. The government is actively adopting AI across public services. We believe students should be at the table, not just as future employees, but as critical thinkers shaping how AI is used in Wellington.
To make this possible, VicAI is structured into six teams: Labs, Education, Events & Media, Sponsorship & Partnership, Safety & Governance, and Outreach & Diversity. Each team contributes in a unique way, from running projects and workshops to leading ethical discussions, community engagement, and mentorship initiatives. Together, we create a space where anyone can learn, research, build and engage critically with AI, openly and collaboratively.
Our mission is to make AI accessible, so that anyone, regardless of background, has the opportunity to safely and purposefully shape and influence AI and its role in the world.
AI for the Benefit of Everyone - built together.
Executive Committee
Arie Joe
PresidentSecond-year Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence student. Passionate about making AI accessible to everyone from all backgrounds.
Robert O'Brien
SecretaryRobert is a law student and elected representative on the Mākara/Ōhāriu Community Board at Wellington City Council.
Hayden Lance
TreasurerHayden is a final-year Actuarial Science and Economics student. He is Chair of VicNats, an executive member of the Victoria Student Fund Charitable Trust, and a Fellow of the Maxim Institute.
Joshua Simmons
Committee MemberJoshua is a third-year Bachelor of Science student majoring in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity, with a minor in Data Science. He is passionate about responsible AI, data-driven decision-making, and using technology to create practical, human-centred solutions.
Tatenda Tavingeyi
Committee MemberTavingeyi 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. He has experience in working with communities to shape localized ethical AI grounded in cultural values.
Finleigh Frost
Committee MemberFinleigh is a Political Science and International Relations student interested in AI governance, public policy, and responsible technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
VicAI is open to all, regardless of your background. By joining our community you are invited to all of the events we host. Note: this is for becoming a general community member, the VicAI committee currently looks for students and staff of the Victoria University of Wellington only.
If you are interested in getting involved with VicAI on a deeper and more regular basis, we are always looking for new members to join our six teams and initiatives. Whether it's Labs, Education, Events & Media, Sponsorship & Partnership, Safety & Governance, or Outreach & Diversity, if there is a team that stands out to you or you would like to suggest something new, please get in touch!
The society is entirely supported and operated by students at Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington. It exists as a self-governing community for those with a passion for AI and innovation.
While our society prioritises university students in most of our initiatives and projects, we still welcome everyone to engage with our resources and events. We aim to be as open as possible, which also means publishing our events, blogs, research projects and newsletters with as little barrier to entry as possible. Note: this is for becoming a general community member, the VicAI committee currently looks for students and staff of the Victoria University of Wellington only.
Not at all. Many of our events are designed for beginners, and our Education team creates resources for all skill levels. Some of our members come from arts, law, and commerce backgrounds. AI is about more than code.
No. VicAI membership is free. We're funded and resourced through university clubs support, volunteers and industry sponsorships.
Most of our events are held on Kelburn Campus or Pipitea Campus. Some industry events and social gatherings happen outside campus in central Wellington. All venues are listed on each event's details.
In many cases, we do, if it aligns directly with our mission and outreach standards. VicAI selectively promotes external events, initiatives, and calls for participation that benefit our community, uphold our values, and meet defined eligibility criteria. Please send your request via our Contact Page.
VicAI welcomes collaborations that align with our educational and community-oriented mission. While VicAI may co-host or support non-commercial, academically focused events with external organisations, we do not engage in events that serve primarily commercial or promotional purposes. Please send your request to via our Contact Page.
VicAI welcomes sponsorship from companies and organisations working in AI and related fields. Sponsorship may support our talks, social events, workshops, and initiatives. Interested companies are welcome to get in touch.
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