From Governance to Real-World Implementation

AI as a concept is over. It has now become a necessity for many businesses and organisations around the world. The question now is, how do you use it best for your own?

That’s exactly what AI in Action: From Governance to Real-World Implementation aims to answer.

Join Enlighten Designs and Deloitte for an exclusive morning event that will move your AI conversations from concept to execution. The event will be packed with real-world insights, practical frameworks, and examples from New Zealand’s leading innovators.

Date: Monday, 3 November 2025
Location: Wintec House, Nisbet St, Hamilton, New Zealand
Time: 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Register here: AI in Action: From Governance to Real-World Implementation | Eventbrite

Why Attend

AI is a business reality and the sooner you adapt to that reality, the better your position in the future will be. It’s a tool that will elevate how you innovate, serve customers, and compete. But scaling is a different matter than governance, readiness, and direction.

AI in Action brings together two of New Zealand’s leading voices in digital transformation: Enlighten Designs and Deloitte. We’ll provide you with a unique take on how to build the foundation for a much more responsible and scalable AI.

You’ll walk away with clarity on:

• AI policy and governance frameworks that enable innovation without compromising trust.

• Data readiness and modernisation which are the essential groundwork for any AI initiative.

• Practical implementation strategies and success stories from local organisations already making AI work in production.

Event Agenda

7:30 AM – 8:00 AM — Light Breakfast & Networking

8:00 AM – 8:30 AM — Preparing the Ground: Getting Your Data AI-Ready 

Speaker: Verne Roberts, Principal – Data & AI, Enlighten Designs

With over two decades in data architecture and analytics, Verne Roberts has helped New Zealand’s largest organisations modernise their data ecosystems using the Microsoft platform. Verne will unpack how to design a robust data strategy that forms the foundation of any AI initiative, which enables organisations to move confidently from experimentation to enterprise-scale value.

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM — Setting the Guardrails: AI Policy & Governance

Speakers: Reenesh Bhana, Partner – Risk & Regulatory Practice, Deloitte Mariette van Niekerk, AI Lead, Deloitte

As AI adoption accelerates, governance and policy have become more and more non-negotiable. Reenesh and Mariette bring the dual perspectives of compliance leadership and AI innovation. Together, they'll offer a holistic view of how to establish trusted frameworks for AI development and adoption.

9:00 AM – 9:30 AM — Making It Real: Practical AI Entry Points

Speaker: Damon Kelly, CEO, Enlighten Designs

As Enlighten’s founder and CEO, Damon Kelly has spent nearly 30 years helping New Zealand organisations harness the Microsoft ecosystem to solve real business challenges. He's a recognised leader in AI and digital transformation. He brings a rare blend of strategic vision and hands-on experience. Damon will thoroughly dissect through the AI hype to share where and how companies can start their AI journey with absolute confidence.

9:30 AM – 10:00 AM — Panel & Q&A: Questions from the Floor

Moderated by Kristy Darbyshire, Account Manager, Enlighten Designs

Who Should Attend

This event is designed for business and technology leaders who are guiding their organisations through digital transformation, including:

• CIOs, CTOs, and Heads of Data & AI

• Digital Transformation and Innovation Leaders

• Enterprise Architects and Microsoft Platform Specialists

• Risk, Compliance, and Strategy Executives

If your focus is turning AI ambition into real business results, then this is your starting point. Don’t miss the opportunity to engage directly with experts shaping the future of responsible AI in New Zealand. Seats are limited and this event is expected to fill quickly.

About the Hosts

Enlighten Designs specialises in AI strategy, software development, data analytics, data visualization, data storytelling, websites and web apps that drive measurable impact. With nearly three decades of experience empowering New Zealand and global enterprises, Enlighten bridges the gap between strategy and implementation to make AI practical, scalable, and human-centred. Contact us to learn more.

Deloitte brings deep expertise in AI governance, policy, and risk management. They help organisations establish ethical, compliant, and trusted frameworks for innovation.