Applying artificial intelligence to improve safety, decision-making, and project management outcomes across engineering and construction environments in New Zealand.
Engineering and construction organisations in New Zealand are facing increasing pressure to deliver complex projects safely, efficiently, and transparently while responding to skills shortages, productivity challenges, and evolving health and safety expectations. Artificial intelligence is emerging as a practical enabler in this context, offering new ways to analyse data, support decision-making, and strengthen project governance without replacing professional judgement.
This session explores how AI can be applied responsibly within engineering and construction project environments, with a particular focus on safety, wellbeing, and digital project management workflows. Drawing on applied research, industry engagement, and real-world case examples, the session situates AI within current construction practices rather than as a speculative future technology.
Participants will gain practical insight into where AI adds value today, how it can be integrated into existing systems and processes, and what engineers and project leaders need to understand to govern its use effectively. The focus is on informed adoption, risk awareness, and leveraging AI as a support tool for better project and safety outcomes
Key learning outcomes:
AI Digital Project Manager - Published Author
Natalia Ortega is an AI Digital Project Manager and PhD candidate specialising in systems thinking, digital project management, and applied AI in complex organisational environments. Her work spans engineering research, construction safety, and agile delivery, with a focus on how data and AI can support better decision-making and wellbeing outcomes. Natalia has taught and supervised postgraduate programmes in New Zealand and has delivered industry sessions on the future of health, safety, and wellbeing in construction, alongside applied research at Massey University.
