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As AI tools become increasingly used within and to replicate human creativity, artists are being forced to navigate new territory: from questions of authorship, originality and copyright, to concerns around cultural identity and the future of human creativity itself.
Bringing together artists, researchers and industry experts, this half-day symposium examines both the practical uses of AI and the risks it poses, creating space for both curiosity and critical discussion. Through presentations, discussion and debate, participants will explore how creatives might engage with these technologies in ethical and informed ways, as well as protecting their work, artistic integrity, cultural knowledge and the human imagination.
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Date: Saturday 14th November
Time: 1.30-4.30pm
Venue: Tūranga, TSB Space
SYMPOSIUM PROGRAMME
INTRODUCTION (1.30pm)
AI AND CREATIVITY
I Am Not a Robot -Ben Brown, Poet
A poetic perspective on what it is to be human in the age of AI.
AI in a Contemporary Māori Creative Practice – Hori-Te-Ariki Mataki, Ariki Creative
Hori-Te-Ariki Mataki demonstrates how AI is being used as a practical tool across his design business and creative outputs, while keeping cultural expression, Toi Māori and kaupapa-led storytelling firmly in human hands. Through demonstrations from his creative work, this session explores the opportunities and limitations of AI, where human expertise remains essential, and how cultural integrity can be maintained while working with emerging technologies.
From Feedback to Authorship: AI, Collaboration and Creative Agency in Music Production – Dr Claire Benedict, University of Canterbury
Drawing on her creative practice as a singer-songwriter and insights from students working with AI music technologies, Claire Benedict explores how generative AI is reshaping ideas of authorship, creative agency and collaboration in music production. Through examples ranging from AI-assisted feedback and idea development to fully generative platforms such as Suno, the presentation examines where creative decision-making resides when technological systems become active participants in the songwriting process. Situating these experiences within broader debates around originality, authenticity and human creative labour, Claire considers what it means to be a songwriter when the boundaries between tool, assistant, collaborator and creator are increasingly fluid.
The Cost of Convenience: AI and the Creative Brain – Rachael Hurren, Human Logic
A neuroscience-backed look at the creative process and how AI is reshaping it—for better and for worse. Rachael Hurren is the Principal Consultant at Human Logic. She uses her background in psychology and professional development within the tech sector to help people understand how our brains work in the modern workplace. Rachael is a leading voice on the cognitive impacts of AI, helping organisations leverage technology while protecting human agility.
AI RISKS & PROTECTION (3pm)
AI Mythbusting – Emma Humphrey, AI Safety Australia & New Zealand
In this accessible and balanced introduction to artificial intelligence, AI researcher and UK Home Office consultant, Emma Humphrey debunks common myths New Zealanders face when considering AI. She’ll cut through the hype t to demystify how the AI industry works, and what staying safe in a world of AI really means.
Whakapapa Before Prompts: A Māori data sovereignty kit for artists in the age of AI – Dr Karaitiana Taiuru, Taiuru & Associates
A generative AI tool can produce a “Māori-style” carving pattern, waiata, video or pūrākau in seconds. It cannot say where it is from, who its people are, or who gave permission for it to exist. Drawing on the He Tangata, He Karetao, He Ātārangi framework, the talk examines three questions for every creative discipline. Who holds authority over a work, when authority is not the same as authorship? Who is accountable when an AI tool, which has no intent of its own, causes cultural harm? And what happens when a synthetic likeness of a voice, a style or a face travels without the person it came from?
Copyright Aotearoa – Sam Irvine, Tāwhia
AI depends on creativity, but how should creators be recognised when their work helps train AI systems and or is used in prompting (inputs)? This session explores emerging legal developments, licensing solutions and why copyright and AI should be viewed not as competitors, but as partners in a sustainable creative future.