Posted on 25 June 2026
EventsOpen Polytechnic, New Zealand’s leading flexible online learning provider was honoured to be part of the Business Leaders’ Breakfast at Spark in Auckland on Wednesday 24 June.
It was a collaborative event hosted by Spark, Microsoft and Cause Collective, with attendees learning more about the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the future of work, especially for Pasifika people in New Zealand.
At the event, Open Polytechnic kaimahi (staff) shared more about the Artificial Intelligence for Business Leaders (AI Micro-credential), which was launched in late 2025, in conjunction with Spark.
Rebekah Tuileto'a, Pule Ma’ata – Pasifika and Jackson Ertel, Commercial Manager, represented Open Polytechnic at the event, and talked about the course and the partnership with Spark in creating the micro-credential.
A highlight for Rebekah was the panel (photo above), comprised of Dan Te Whenua Walker, CEO of Māori AI Agency, Teresa Otineru – Commercial Director, Microsoft ANZ, Laurence Hopkins – People Lead, Spark and Martin La’a – General Manager Digital Equity & Skilling, Spark.
“The key message was that Pasifika peoples are not lacking capability in the age of AI,” Rebekah says.
“What is at risk is access, opportunity, and representation. Pacific strengths such as relational intelligence, collective responsibility, adaptability, service, and cultural identity are exactly the human capabilities that will matter more as AI changes work.”
“What this means for the Open Polytechnic is the challenge to ensure Pasifika learners are not positioned as passive users of AI, but as confident, culturally grounded creators, leaders, and decision-makers in the future workforce.”
Spark has chosen to sponsor up to 50 business leaders from the event to complete the micro-credential offered by Open Polytechnic.
Photo: Open Polytechnic kaimahi, Rebekah Tuileto'a, Pule Ma’ata – Pasifika and Jackson Ertel, Commercial Manager talk about the Artificial Intelligence for Business Leaders (AI Micro-credential) at the Business Leaders’ Breakfast for Pasifika Business Leaders.