Harnessing AI for Good at the AI Hackathon
In a Year 12 NCEA Geography Scholarship class, a discussion about global weather events, climate change, and the tragic loss of life during Cyclone Gabrielle due to gaps in emergency coordination sparked an idea.
That spark became a problem statement framed through the UN SDGs (11 & 17) and the concept of AI for Good:
⚡ Faster rescues
⚡ Better coordination
⚡ Real-time resource tracking
⚡ Community-powered alerts that move beyond warnings to enable action
With no prior hackathon experience—just courage, creativity, and futures thinking—the students recruited a team and took their idea into prototype development.
From the eleven Westlake Girls’ students who entered, four of the eleven hackathon teams were tackling problems first formulated in class: disaster management, AI literacy, migrant integration support, and a job simulation tool for youth career pathways. Competing alongside experienced industry professionals, the girls impressed with their boldness and sophistication.
One of the teams focused on developing an AI solution to improve disaster management coordination. Inspired directly by a Geography Scholarship lesson with their teacher, Hannah Lilley. When asked how such a sophisticated concept emerged, the girls proudly replied: “From our geography class discussion.”
At the AI Forum NZ x She Sharp Hackathon at AUT, they transformed that idea into an AI-powered solution to strengthen disaster response across services, NGOs, and government agencies—earning the runner-up prize.
See below for a video of the hifghlights of the Hackathon.
All Year 12 students who completed the AI module had the opportunity to apply to attend the AI Forum NZ x She Sharp Hackathon at AUT. Eleven students were selected and took part, experiencing the real-world application of AI for Good alongside industry experts. These students will now form our Responsible AI Student Leaders Team, working alongside the Futures Education & AI Lead and our AI Champion Teachers to promote the safe, ethical, and responsible use of AI across the school community.
Year 9 AI Modules
The students are currently working through the AI modules. I would like to ask for your support in encouraging your daughter to complete these modules and to engage in conversations at home about the learning she is doing on AI.
