Christchurch Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly, and with it comes a growing tension: How should we build it—and what happens if we get it wrong?
This event explores both sides of that question, bringing together two perspectives that rarely share the same stage. Dr Elsamari Botha examines multi-dimensional AI literacy frameworks, and Hazel Shanks shares 'The Doom Thesis' from the Yudkowsky book. Drinks, demos, and practical takeaways included.

Meet up with your local AI community at EPIC Innovation:

5:30–6:00 pm — Drinks & Networking
6:00–6:45 pm — Dr Elsamari Botha - AI Implementation & Governance in Practice
6:45–7:30 pm — Hazel Shanks - The Doom Thesis
7:30–8:00 pm — Drinks & Open Q&A

This month's General AI Meetup dives into practical implementation frameworks for AI readiness, and a review of the Yudkowsky book.

Beyond Prompting: Multi-Dimensional AI Literacy and New Operating Models for the AI Era — Dr Elsamari Botha
AI is already being deployed across industries—but implementation is not just technical. It’s organisational, ethical, and strategic. The integration of AI into organizations represents more than a technological upgrade, it demands a fundamental transformation in how we work, decide, and deliver value.

While many AI upskilling efforts focus narrowly on prompting techniques, truly thriving in an AI-enabled world requires a far more comprehensive approach. This talk explores two critical dimensions of organizational readiness for AI: Multidimensional AI Literacy Frameworks, and new Operating Models for the AI Era (and the skills employees will need to thrive in these contexts).

In this session, Dr Elsamari will:
• Define what multi-dimensional AI literacy really means beyond prompting
• Present frameworks for building AI capability across organizations
• Explore new operating models required for the AI era
• Discuss the skills employees need to thrive in AI-enabled environments

Hazel Shanks - The Doom Thesis — Why “If Anyone Builds It, Everyone Dies”
What if the biggest risk isn’t misuse—but success?
Hazel introduces the Doom Thesis: the general argument for 'X-risk' from advanced AI.
Together, we will explore:

• The plans to build superintelligence at AI labs
• The core argument behind the Doomer perspective
• Whether current governance approaches are enough
• What it would actually mean to “pause” or restrict AI development
• Is the book worth reading?

This session challenges assumptions and expands the frame—inviting you to consider what’s at stake if AI continues to scale unchecked.

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When: Monday, 4 May, 5:30–8:00 pm
Where: EPIC Innovation, Christchurch

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“OpenClaw is probably the single most important release of software, probably ever.” - Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA

Whether you're Claw-curious or Claw-pilled, you've heard about OpenClaw: an AI Agent that controls its own computer.

This Open Source AI Agent can run on an old laptop, or a Mac Mini, or a VPS, a virtual private server. It has its own hardware, email accounts, web browser, its own memory and soul. Installing OpenClaw creates a 24/7 AI Assistant working on whatever you want.

⚠️ TICKETS ARE NOT AVAILABLE THROUGH MEETUP ⚠️
RSVPing on this Meetup page does not reserve you a seat. (But it does let your friends know you will be there!) Tickets must be purchased on Humanitix. Links are below.
$10 per event · $30 for the whole day
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