AI opportunity and risk: What good companies are doing differently

Panel Discussion

Speaker(s): Elsamari Botha, Travis Barker, Steve Wilson, Chris Bailey
Date: 5:00pm — 7:00pm, 13 October 2026
Venue: The George
Location: 50 Park Terrace, Christchurch Central City
Price members: $40.00 incl GST
Price non-members: $60.00 incl GST

Overview

The question is no longer whether organisations should use AI, but how leading companies are governing it differently.

AI will create winners and losers. The difference may be less about who has the best technology - and more about who makes the best decisions around it.

Join our expert panel for a candid discussion bringing together governance, business and AI perspectives. Explore what separates responsible AI leaders from organisations that are simply reacting to the hype.

Hear how good companies are:

turning AI ambition into measurable business value, beyond pilots and proofs of concept;
giving boards and executives visibility without slowing innovation;
managing emerging risks - from data and cyber to reputation, regulation and workforce impact;
asking better questions about accountability, oversight and AI decision-making;
building the capabilities, culture and governance practices that will matter as AI becomes embedded across the enterprise.

The panel will be emceed by Paul Gestro, ASB Director Growth Markets.

Panellists

Elsamari Botha

MInstD

Associate Professor, University of Canterbury – with research and practice focus on AI governance, implementation, and responsible digital transformation, bridging technical systems with organisational strategy and human-centric change. Elsamari was, until April 2026, Director of UC’s Executive MBA and Executive Education Programmes.

Travis Barker

Chief Data & Analytics Officer (CDAO) at ASB - where he leads data and AI risk management, strategy, and bank-wide capabilities. Before joining ASB, Travis held senior consulting and delivery leadership roles across NZ and Australia, with over two decades of experience specialising in the field of data and AI.

Steve Wilson

An independent director with proven abilities across all levels of organisational management. Talented in developing partnerships, overseeing personnel and developing tactical plans to meet strategic goals. Proven leader with significant background in development and commercialisation of new technologies and technical products, very knowledgeable about the New Zealand science system.

Chris Bailey

MInstD

Managing Director - Ember Technologies – Christchurch’s AI & Automation Company. Chris has a broad background in leading and directing businesses. From overseeing $150 million asset portfolios to supporting digital start ups, he has an extensive range of experience. Prior to joining Ember, he spent 16 years in elite sport management and also worked extensively in leadership coaching and strategy development, giving him a strong foundation in people, performance and long-term planning.

This event is kindly hosted by:

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