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PHIL KUPENGA
Māori AI Technology Leader | Founder | Business Transformation Specialist
Nau mai, haere mai
I'm Phil Kupenga (Ngāti Porou, Te Whānau-a-Apanui).
For nearly two decades I've worked at the intersection of technology, business transformation and community development across Aotearoa.
Today my focus is helping people, organisations and communities prepare for one of the biggest shifts of our generation—Artificial Intelligence.
I believe AI isn't just about technology.
It's about people.
It's about capability.
It's about creating better futures.
MY JOURNEY
From Tairāwhiti to Technology Leadership
I grew up in Tairāwhiti believing that where you're born should never determine what's possible.
My career began in frontline policing before moving into business analysis and technology transformation across central government and the private sector.
As AI began reshaping the future of work, I realised many communities—including Māori communities—were at risk of being left behind.
Rather than simply talking about the problem, I chose to build solutions.
CREATING IMPACT
Tairāwhiti Tech Talent Incubator
Helping local people build digital careers and preparing communities for an AI future.
More Māori in Tech
Changing perceptions by making Māori in technology visible.
"If you can't see it, you can't be it."
Piripi Tech Guy
An AI version of myself sharing knowledge with anyone wanting a career in technology or AI.
Tupuna Pai
Building AI that reflects values, accountability and better decision making for land, organisations and communities.
WHAT I BELIEVE
Values shouldn't.
AI should never replace people.
It should empower them.
I believe the organisations that thrive over the next decade won't necessarily have the biggest AI budgets.
They'll be the ones that build capability, keep people at the centre and use technology responsibly.
That's what I help organisations do.
Technology Change
BEYOND WORK
Proudly from Tairāwhiti.
I'm incredibly proud to be Ngāti Porou and Te Whānau-a-Apanui.
My greatest role isn't being a consultant or technology leader.
It's being a husband and a dad.
Those roles remind me every day why the work matters.
Because technology isn't really about software.
It's about creating a better future for the people we love.
That's why I build.
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