Are we automating inequality in Aotearoa? – Wellington – 18 March 2019

What

Renowned US author of Automating Inequality Prof. Virginia Eubanks and University of Auckland Prof. Tim Dare (a specialist in Ethical Analysis of Predictive Risk Modelling) will lead a panel discussion on how data is being used around the world, and how we can use it responsibly in New Zealand.

In her new book, Automating Inequality: How High-Tech Tools Profile, Police, and Punish the Poor, Eubanks explores how data mining, policy algorithms, and predictive risk models are increasingly affecting vulnerable people in society – the poor and working-class.

This will be a rare opportunity to meet Prof. Eubanks – who is visiting New Zealand for the first time – and hear her perspective on how data mining, policy algorithms, and predictive risk models are increasingly affecting vulnerable people in society – the poor and working-class.

Tohatoha, in association with InternetNZ, is hosting events in Auckland and Wellington where attendees can meet Prof. Eubanks and hear her perspective on how the issues raised in a USA context in her book may also be applicable to New Zealand.

“In an age where New Zealand is increasingly moving towards automation of public systems and social services, this is a prime opportunity to hear from a specialist on the subject and consider whether inequality is becoming automated in New Zealand, why it matters and what can be done about it,” says Tohatoha CEO, Mandy Henk

The discussion and Q&A will be led by Jordan Carter, CEO of InternetNZ, with input from Mandy Henk, CEO of Tohatoha Aotearoa Commons (formerly Creative Commons Aotearoa NZ)

About Professor Virginia Eubanks
Virginia Eubanks is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University at Albany, SUNY. In addition to Automating Inequality, she is the author of several other books, including Digital Dead End: Fighting for Social Justice in the Information Age; and co-editor, with Alethia Jones, of Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around: Forty Years of Movement Building with Barbara Smith. Her writing about technology and social justice has appeared in Scientific American, The Nation, Harper’s, and Wired. For two decades, Eubanks has worked in community technology and economic justice movements. She was a founding member of the Our Data Bodies Project and a 2016-2017 Fellow at New America. She lives in Troy, NY.

About Professor Tim Dare
Tim Dare is a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Auckland. He worked briefly as a lawyer before doing his PhD in the philosophy of law and starting his academic career in the early 1990s. His publications include books and articles on the philosophy of law, legal ethics, immunisation programmes, the significance of judicial disagreement, parental rights and medical decisions, the proper allocation of the burden of proof, and the use of predictive analytics in child protection. He is employed by New Zealand’s Ministry of Social Development to provide data ethics advice and to develop privacy, human rights, and ethical review processes for proposed uses of client data. He has provided ethical reviews of a number of predictive risk modelling tools in New Zealand and the US. He is principal investigator on a NZ Royal Society Marsden Grant (2018-2020) investigating the ethics of using predictive risk modelling tools in social policy contexts, and sits on a number of local and national research and clinical ethics committees.

When and Where

18 March, 2019
4pm – 6pm

Rangimarie Room, Te Papa Tongarewa,
55 Cable Street, Te Aro, Wellington.

How Much

$25 (waged) or $10 (unwaged). Get tickets here.

More

US author Virginia Eubanks to visit NZ in March. Press release on 25 February 2019 by Tohatoha.
Are we automating inequality in Aotearoa? Prof. Virginia Eubanks in discussion with Prof. Tim Dare.

Are we automating inequality in Aotearoa? – Auckland – 15 March 2019

What

US-based professor and writer Virginia Eubanks will visit New Zealand in March for a series of events promoting her new book Automating Inequality and discussing the impacts of technology and big data on the poorest people in society.

In her new book, Automating Inequality: How High-Tech Tools Profile, Police, and Punish the Poor, Eubanks explores how data mining, policy algorithms, and predictive risk models are increasingly affecting vulnerable people in society – the poor and working-class.

Tohatoha, in association with InternetNZ, is hosting events in Auckland and Wellington where attendees can meet Prof. Eubanks and hear her perspective on how the issues raised in a USA context in her book may also be applicable to New Zealand.

“In an age where New Zealand is increasingly moving towards automation of public systems and social services, this is a prime opportunity to hear from a specialist on the subject and consider whether inequality is becoming automated in New Zealand, why it matters and what can be done about it,” says Mandy Henk, CEO of Tohatoha Aotearoa Commons (formerly Creative Commons Aotearoa NZ). Discussion and Q+A to be led by Tohatoha CEO, Mandy Henk.

About Professor Virginia Eubanks
Virginia Eubanks is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University at Albany, SUNY. In addition to Automating Inequality, she is the author of several other books, including Digital Dead End: Fighting for Social Justice in the Information Age; and co-editor, with Alethia Jones, of Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around: Forty Years of Movement Building with Barbara Smith. Her writing about technology and social justice has appeared in Scientific American, The Nation, Harper’s, and Wired. For two decades, Eubanks has worked in community technology and economic justice movements. She was a founding member of the Our Data Bodies Project and a 2016-2017 Fellow at New America. She lives in Troy, NY.

When and Where

Friday, 15 March, 2019
3pm – 5pm

GridAKL,
12 Madden Street, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland.

How Much

$25 (waged) or $10 (unwaged). Get tickets here.

More

US author Virginia Eubanks to visit NZ in March. Press release on 25 February 2019 by Tohatoha.
Are we automating inequality in Aotearoa? An afternoon with Prof. Virginia Eubanks.

Koordinates 2019 Roadshow – Auckland – 6 March 2019

What

Koordinates is going on the road! We’re travelling Aotearoa New Zealand to host events, meet data users, and demo-ing the Koordinates platform

This year, our theme is ‘The Next Ten Years of Geospatial Data,’ with a special focus on better open data, smoother data supply chains, and simpler data collaboration.

This theme dovetails with some of the work we’re doing here at Koordinates. Our platform is already a key resource for Aotearoa New Zealand’s data users. Our customers include some of the most successful data projects in the world, including the LINZ Data Service and the InternetNZ Broadband Map.

Now, we’re expanding our product to solve some of the most intractable problems in geospatial data management, distribution, and collaboration.

Come along for a lively discussion, detailed demonstration, and quick Q&A with the Koordinates team—and stick around afterwards for drinks and nibbles.

When and Where

Wednesday, 6 March 2019
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm NZDT

Lysaght Building, GridAKL,
101 Pakenham Street West, Auckland 1010

How Much

Free. Reserve seat here.

More

Organised by Koordinates. Twitter @koordinates and facebook.
Announcing the Koordinates 2019 Roadshow.
Eventbrite event.

Koordinates 2019 Roadshow – Hamilton – 5 March 2019

What

Koordinates is going on the road! We’re travelling Aotearoa New Zealand to host events, meet data users, and demo-ing the Koordinates platform

This year, our theme is ‘The Next Ten Years of Geospatial Data,’ with a special focus on better open data, smoother data supply chains, and simpler data collaboration.

This theme dovetails with some of the work we’re doing here at Koordinates. Our platform is already a key resource for Aotearoa New Zealand’s data users. Our customers include some of the most successful data projects in the world, including the LINZ Data Service and the InternetNZ Broadband Map.

Now, we’re expanding our product to solve some of the most intractable problems in geospatial data management, distribution, and collaboration.

Come along for a lively discussion, detailed demonstration, and quick Q&A with the Koordinates team—and stick around afterwards for drinks and nibbles.


When and Where

Tuesday, 5 March 2019
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm NZDT

Wintec House, Wintec,
Angelsea Street,
Hamilton 3024

How Much

Free. Reserve seat here.

More

Organised by Koordinates. Twitter @koordinates and facebook.
Announcing the Koordinates 2019 Roadshow.
Eventbrite event.

Larp Event: Tesla’s Wedding – Auckland – 26 January 2019

What

Tesla’s Wedding is a a three hour steampunk LARP for 20-30 players by Stephanie and Catherine Pegg, designed in a spirit of celebration and to evoke a feeling of joy. It is rules-light, has a range of characters from the intense to simple and light-hearted, and is suitable for introducing new players to larping, while giving ‘old hands’ room to plot, scheme, and chew the scenery

In the late 19th century Mad Science and Wonders of Nature abound in Europe. There are two powerful families, the de l’Eclaires in Paris, and the Drakenwyrms of Middle Europe, who have feuded for generations. It was inevitable, really, that a de l’Eclaire and a Drakenwyrm would fall in love and trouble, just as inevitably, ensued. This is not that story.

This is the story of how Tesla von und zu Drakenwyrm and Pierre de l’Eclaire, having Conquered the forces Arrayed against them and Founded a little town of their own in the Black Forest, are about to get married good and proper. They have invited friends from their adventures and old enemies, the terrible trials of family, and the myriad peculiar townsfolk nearby. There are even a few travellers staying for the night. Absolutely nothing can go wrong…

When and Where

Auckland Unitarian Church
1 Ponsonby Road
Grey Lynn

3pm – ~6pm
Saturday 26 January 2019

How Much

Free

More

Facebook page for the event

Browse the basement – Auckland – 13 January – 10 March 2019

What

Here is a rare opportunity to explore the enormous stack collection, located in our vast, multi-level basement facility at Central City Library.

Discover strange curiosities, browse for your favourite authors or simply marvel at the wealth of material acquired over more than a century of collecting. This is a chance to see and borrow some of the incredible books that aren’t on display on our public floors, and to experience the mysterious and magical qualities of the Central City Library basement.

There are limited spaces available for each session and RSP is essential. Don’t miss out!

When and Where

Central City Library
44-46 Lorne Street
CBD
Auckland

4pm – 5pm
Every Sunday from 13 January to 10 March 2019

How Much

Free

More

Eventbrite page to register

 

OpenBSD informal talk – Wellington – 23 January 2019

What

A number of OpenBSD developers will be visiting Victoria University in
January. As part of that, they will be giving an informal talk on what they
have been working on recently, open to the public.

A number of the OpenSSH and LibreSSL devs will be there, including Theo de
Raadt, Bob Beck and Damien Miller, as well as one of the devs who
spear-headed the OpenBSD response to Meltdown, among others.

When and Where

Lecture Theatre,
LBLT118,
Laby Building,
Victoria University,
Wellington

Starting at 2pm
Wednesday 23 January 2019

How Much

Free

More

Please contact Richard Procter ( richard.n.procter at gmail.com ) if you have any questions

Astronomy Night (During the Day!) – Wellington – 11 January 2019

What

Who says you can’t star gaze during the day?

The Sun is the star at the centre of our solar system; but, because of the harm it can do to your eyes, you should never look directly at the Sun without the proper solar gear. The Wellington Astronomical Society will set up special solar telescopes for you to view the Sun safely. Come and see if you can find sunspots and solar flares!

This event is part of the International Astronomical Union’s 100 Hours of Astronomy.

When and Where

11 January 2019
1pm – 2pm

War Memorial Library,
Cnr Queens Drive and Woburn Road, Lower Hutt, Wellington

How Much

Free

More

Event on Hutt City Library‘s What’s on page, Facebook event and Eventfinda.

Wellington Astronomical Society.

Decision Making: Human vs Machine – Auckland – 5 December 2018

What

Decision Making: Human vs Machine

Stats NZ and Centre for Social Data Analytics (CSDA) are hosting a free lecture presented by international tech ethics expert Lorena Jaume-Palasi.

The use of algorithms in decision-making is growing steadily, so it has never been more important to understand how algorithm-assisted decisions differ from human decisions, and what good practice looks like.

Lorena Jaume-Palasi will explain the major differences between human and algorithm-assisted decision-making and share the trends she is seeing internationally. Her talk will focus on the key issues that algorithms tend to raise for governments, organisations and communities and how those concerns, like ethics and bias, can be navigated and algorithm-assisted decision-making done well.

With a background in founding ethics organisations including  AlgorithmWatch and the Ethical Tech Society, and consulting to numerous governments and organisations in this space, Jaume-Palasi will present her experiences and recommendations.

CSDA co-director Rhema Vaithianathan is pleased to host Jaume-Palasi:

“It is very exciting to have Lorena on board for this presentation as it is the time to have extensive and more importantly, informed conversations about ethics and how organisations can use algorithms well.”

“Lorena brings a well-versed perspective to this argument and it will be a privilege for New Zealanders to hear from someone with such extensive experience in tech ethics.”

Key issues covered in the talk will include bias, automated inequality and ethical dimensions.

Lorena Jaume-Palasi

Lorena is the founder of non-profit advocacy organisation AlgorithmWatch (Berlin) and of non-profit research and advocacy organization the Ethical Tech Society (Berlin). Her work focuses on the philosophy of law and ethics of automatisation and digitisation. She serves as the head of the secretariat of the German Internet Governance Forum and is a member of the Spanish Government’s High Level Expert Council on Artificial Intelligence and Big Data. Lorena consults to international institutions, governments and corporations, and regularly writes and lectures on data protection, privacy, discrimination and the public sphere.

This lecture is proudly presented by the Centre for Social Data Analytics, in the School of Economics at Auckland University of Technology, together with Stats NZ.

When and Where

Wednesday. 5 December 2018
4:00 pm – 6:00 pm NZDT

AUT City Campus,
Room WG404, Sir Paul Reeves Building,
55 Wellesley Street East, Auckland

How Much

Free but registration required. Please register here.

More

Event at AUT’s website and on Eventbrite.

Tech Month Workshops at Selwyn District Libraries – Canterbury – October 2018

What

TECH MONTH

Introduction to 3D Modelling for Games 2 hour / Free

This workshop will cover the basics of 3D modelling for absolute beginners, and is directed toward people who are interested in 3D art and don’t know where to start, or beginners that have a little experience, but want to learn more.

Recommended for adults and young people aged 16 years and over. All sessions are from 1-3pm.

Lincoln: Saturday 20 October https://li-3d-modelling.eventbrite.co.nz

Darfield: Saturday 27 October https://da-3d-modeling.eventbrite.co.nz

Presented by Taylor Mudgway, 3D Modeller and Game Artist


Introduction to Concept Art for Video Games 1 hour / Free

In this session, Daniel will outline his journey into Concept Art and will show you how to get started on your own path.

You will be able to have a go at creating a 2D character in this workshop. Equipment supplied.

Recommended for adults and young people aged 16 years and over. All sessions are from 11am-12pm.

Rolleston: Saturday 20 October https://ro-intro-concept-art.eventbrite.co.nz

Leeston: Saturday 27 October https://le-intro-concept-art.eventbrite.co.nz

Presented by Daniel Denova, Digital Concept and Character Artist

The Concept Art – Business & Career sessions will delve deeper into the industry of Digital art, and will be $15 per person.


The Online Safety Roadshow  1 hour / Free

This combination talk and workshop will cover the basics of everyday online safety, and is suitable for all ages and stages.

You are invited to bring your questions and your laptop for the hands on part of the workshop.

Recommended for adults and young people aged 16 years and over. All sessions are from 2-3pm.

Saturday 27 October – Lincoln Library – 2-3pm https://li-geecom.eventbrite.co.nz

Presented by Peter Gee from Geecom – Prebbleton I.T.

How Much

Free. Please book on the eventbrite event to ensure your seat.

More

Tech Month Workshops at Selwyn District Libraries.