Presenter: Frances Valintine CNZM
Title: AI 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Artificial Intelligence
Abstract: New technology can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Join Frances, a passionate educator and New Zealand Hi-Tech Hall of Fame inductee (CNZM), for a relaxed, beginner-friendly look at AI. Frances cuts through the confusing tech talk to focus on what actually matters to you, helping you demystify terms like "Generative AI" and explore how these tools are shaping our everyday world.
In this supportive session, we will explore:
- AI in Everyday Life: Discover how AI benefits you daily and how the professionals you interact with; like doctors, bankers, or local businesses who are using it to improve their services for you.
- Getting the Best Results: Learn the limitations of AI and how to easily ask the right questions (called "prompting") to get accurate, helpful information every time.
- Staying Safe Online: Gain simple, practical tips on how to spot "fake" or AI-generated content so you can navigate the digital world with total confidence.
A bit more about Frances:
- Leading Tech Expert: Specialises in the emerging impact of AI and the Future of Work.
- CNZM Recipient: Awarded Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education and technology.
- Hall of Fame Inductee: Celebrated member of the New Zealand Hi-Tech Hall of Fame.
- Award-Winning Founder: Created The Mind Lab, named "Best Start-up of the Year" by judges Steve Wozniak and Sir Richard Branson.
- Acclaimed Entrepreneur: Recognised as Female Entrepreneur of the Year
Date:
Monday 13th September, 2026
Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Location: This is an online event - you will be sent the Zoom link to attend in a follow up confirmation Email from Love Heart
About the experts

Frances Valintine CNZM
Frances Valintine CNZM is a leading technologist and educator focused on the technologies shaping the world and impacting how we live, work and connect. She has led and founded multiple institutes of higher education and is currently the Chair of academyEX Group, an Australian and New Zealand postgraduate institute focused on qualifications and programmes for working professionals. Frances is also on the Board of the University of Silicon Valley; she is a recipient of the Flying Kiwi Award and an inductee to the New Zealand Hitech Hall of Fame. She was also recognised by the CIO Awards for her lifetime contribution to technology. In 2014, her organisation, The Mind Lab, won the Best Start-Up in Asia-Pacific award, as judged by Sir Richard Branson and Steve Wozniak. She has a Master's degree from the University of Melbourne and is an alumnus of the Singularity University.

Fee Webby
Fee Webby is based in Hawke's Bay and is the co-founder and Managing Director of Love Heart. Fee is a dynamic leader known for her ability to operationalise high-impact educational initiatives. Having served as the General Manager of The Mind Lab and Tech Futures Lab, Fee has been instrumental in delivering postgraduate programmes and workshops that focus on digital skills, human potential, and sustainability. With a background that spans both creative agencies and executive education, she possesses a deep understanding of behavioural shifts in the workplace and how to remove barriers to learning. Fee is highly regarded for her ability to connect people with the tools they need to succeed, making complex concepts accessible through her engaging and optimistic approach to learning.
Other learning activities you may be interested in
POPULARAI 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Artificial Intelligence (Online Workshop)
POPULARRe-imagining your career after 50 (Online Workshop)

Demystifying AI and Giving People Control

Technological Impact Workshop (The Greatest Innovations Were Social, Not Technical)

What Can We Learn From Rugby? Workshop
POPULARStop Drawing, Start Seeing: Urban Sketching Demystified Workshop

Technological Impact Workshop (Physical AI and the Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT))

Kōura, Eels, and Boots: Discovering Hawke's Bay's Hidden Wild

Myth Busting Plastics

Elite Aviators: The Meticulous World of Flight Training

Technological Impact Workshop (Getting Creative with Digital Technologies)

