Practical steps for AI strategy, capability, and leadership in Aotearoa’s tertiary sector.
Is your organisation ready for AI?
AI isn’t just a classroom issue — it’s a strategic one. As tools like ChatGPT, CoPilot, and generative platforms become embedded in education, tertiary institutions must make thoughtful decisions about how they’re used. This section is designed for leaders, policy makers, and those shaping the future of learning at an institutional level.
From curiosity to strategy
Many educators are experimenting with AI — but without clear policies, confusion can grow. Staff and learners need guidance on what’s allowed, what’s supported, and what’s still being figured out. Good leadership doesn’t mean having all the answers — it means setting the direction, supporting professional learning, and modelling safe exploration.
Some key questions for leadership teams:
- Do we have an AI use policy that’s known and usable?
- Are our staff equipped to model ethical, inclusive AI use?
- How will we evaluate new tools and manage risks?
Build for the future, not just the moment
Institutions that invest now in capability-building, infrastructure, and inclusive policy design will be best placed to lead in a changing environment. That means weaving AI into professional learning plans, ensuring access for all learners and staff, and listening to Māori and Pacific voices in the process.
Start with:
- Drafting or revising AI policies with staff input
- Including AI in digital literacy and capability frameworks
- Developing AI champions or communities of practice
Why leaders need a clear AI strategy
AI is already reshaping education
From learner support to content creation, AI is affecting how teaching and learning happen. Leadership matters — not just to manage risk, but to shape direction.
Risks of inaction:
- Unchecked AI use by staff and students
- Inequities and bias built into tools
- Staff fatigue and uncertainty
- Reputational and compliance risks
Leadership responsibility:
- Align use of AI with Te Tiriti o Waitangi, learner wellbeing, sector expectations (e.g. NZQA) and own TEO’s policies.
- Ensure values and people—not just productivity—guide decisions
| Reflective Prompt: “Whose voice, vision, or values are currently shaping our decisions about AI?” |
From strategy to action – Core leadership domains
| Domain | Leadership Priorities |
| Vision & Values | Frame AI use through cultural safety and Te Tiriti alignment |
| Capability & PLD | Fund and support AI fluency for all staff |
| Policy & Governance | Develop transparent policies on AI use, access, and assessment |
| Tools & Integration | Evaluate platforms for ethics, accessibility, privacy |
| Maturity & Metrics | Use frameworks to track institutional AI readiness |
Helpful reference points:
- TEQSA GenAI Toolkit
- JISC AI Maturity Model
- UNESCO’s ethical guidance
- NZQA integrity guidelines
Emerging practice from Aotearoa + Australia
Examples of sector-aligned leadership:
- TEQSA GenAI Toolkit: Governance templates and strategic questions
- ACODE (2024): Productivity, PLD, and procurement strategies
- University of Melbourne: Transparency in staff-student use
Research-led guidance:
- Inquiry submissions (UoM)
- Systematic reviews on GenAI in HE
- Practice-informed white papers (e.g. Jisc, Liu et al.)
Collaborative action:
- Co-create shared PTE sector frameworks
- Develop living documents, not static rules
Resources to explore and use
- UNESCO – Guidance for Generative AI in Education and Research
- Jisc – AI Maturity Toolkit for Tertiary Education
- TEQSA – GenAI Strategies for Australian Higher Education
- ACODE – Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education
- University of Melbourne – Navigating GenAI
- University of Melbourne – GenAI Inquiry Submission
- UTS Systematic Review – GenAI in Higher Education
This guide was part of a series, created in 2025 by Ako Aotearoa, designed to help educators explore AI in education — safely, ethically, and in ways that reflect our values in Aotearoa.
Each guide offers practical steps, real examples, and reflective tools to support your journey. Whether you’re just starting or deepening your practice, these resources are here to support your next steps — practically and purposefully.
Links were correct at the time of publish but will not be checked or updated in the future.