Ethical, human-centred leadership for an AI-enabled public sector

This space supports a Masters research project exploring how public sector leaders can lead effectively, ethically, and responsibly in a world shaped by generative artificial intelligence (GenAI).

The research examines the leadership capabilities, challenges, and development needs of leaders across Aotearoa New Zealand’s public sector, including organisations beyond the core Public Service. The focus is on leadership practice — not technical expertise — and on how leaders navigate governance, values, risk, and capability-building alongside AI.

Findings from this research will inform practical recommendations for leadership development and the ethical use of GenAI in public sector contexts.

Taking part in the research

You may be invited to participate if you are a current or emerging public sector leader in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Participation may involve:

  • a korero/interview (approximately 50 minutes) and/or

  • a short online survey

Participation is voluntary. All responses will be anonymised, and no individuals or organisations will be identified without explicit permission.

Before taking part, please read the Information Sheet and Consent Form, which explains:

  • what participation involves

  • how your information will be used and protected

  • your rights as a participant

👉 Information Sheet & Consent Form
👉 Book an interview online here

Ethics & confidentiality

This research is conducted in line with academyEX ethics requirements and public sector ethical standards.

  • Participation is voluntary

  • You may withdraw at any time before 30 April 2026

  • Data is stored securely and used only for this research project

  • Findings will be reported in an aggregated and anonymised form.

If you have questions or concerns about the research, you are welcome to get in touch.

Ethics number: MTF.8888.314

About the researcher

Vanisa Dhiru

Vanisa is a senior public sector leader working in Aotearoa New Zealand. She is currently completing a Master of Technological Futures with academyEX.

Her professional background includes leadership roles in various environments, with a focus on governance, capability development, and responsible technology use. This research is conducted independently as part of her Masters study.

About academyEX

This research forms part of the Master of Technological Futures programme delivered by academyEX, Aotearoa New Zealand. academyEX supports learners to explore the social, ethical, and practical implications of emerging technologies through applied, practice-based research.