Nelson AI Sandbox

Nelson AI Sandbox Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Nelson AI Sandbox, Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Nelson.

The AI Sandbox is an inclusive discovery space in Nelson, based at Halifax Cafe (28 Halifax Street), where anyone can drop in or schedule a visit to gain safe, free access to AI tools and hands-on expertise.

Mattie came into the cafe to learn more about AI after reading about Nelson AI Sandbox in The Listener.She says: "I have...
18/06/2026

Mattie came into the cafe to learn more about AI after reading about Nelson AI Sandbox in The Listener.

She says: "I have just had an extremely useful and enjoyable half hour session with Jo discovering which AI companies are the most socially responsible (relatively), plus how best I can use it for travel and historical research. Am leaving feeling thoroughly empowered (relatively!)" 10/10

We are glad we helped you Mattie.!

If you have a question about AI, book a free session with us here: https://aisandbox.org.nz/book-a-session/

AI Updates & Tips - from our AI Specialist Jack MansonTip 1: You can talk to AI like a real personMost people type short...
17/06/2026

AI Updates & Tips - from our AI Specialist Jack Manson

Tip 1: You can talk to AI like a real person

Most people type short, clipped questions into AI tools and get clipped answers back. Try treating it more like a conversation with a knowledgeable colleague. Share context, explain what you're actually trying to do, and tell it if the first response isn't quite right. The more you engage, the better the results.

Tip 2: AI works best when you check its work

AI tools are genuinely useful for drafting, summarising, and brainstorming, but they can get facts wrong with complete confidence. Build a habit of treating AI output as a starting point, not a finished product. A quick review goes a long way.

For more tips and info about the Nelson AI Sandbox sign up to our newsletter: https://aisandbox.org.nz/education/

Our Gemini and NotebookLM course is this Friday.It's for you if you have heard of the tools, are curious, but are unsure...
17/06/2026

Our Gemini and NotebookLM course is this Friday.

It's for you if you have heard of the tools, are curious, but are unsure where to start.

Friday 12 June at Greenmeadows, J is running a friendly, hands-on intro to Google’s AI ecosystem. Three hours, no jargon, no hype. You’ll see Gemini next to Claude and ChatGPT, tour the wider Google AI suite, and get hands-on with NotebookLM, which has become one of our most-recommended tools.

Bring your laptop. We’ll do the rest.

$195 incl. GST. Link in bio.

https://aisandbox.org.nz/workshops/intro-to-gemini/

Our Claude 2 Workshop is on this Friday. See you there!This workshop is for those who know their way around Claude. This...
15/06/2026

Our Claude 2 Workshop is on this Friday. See you there!

This workshop is for those who know their way around Claude. This is the next step up.

Claude 2: Cowork and design is a hands-on morning about building with Claude. You will leave with a skill that writes in your voice, a setup that does a weekly admin job for you, and a way to turn an idea into a printable, on-brand design. On your own real work, the whole way.

Friday 19 June, 9:00 to 12:00, Greenmeadows, Stoke. $195 incl. GST.

Book at aisandbox.org.nz/workshops

You know your way around Claude. This is the step up.Claude 2: Cowork and design is a hands-on morning about building wi...
11/06/2026

You know your way around Claude. This is the step up.

Claude 2: Cowork and design is a hands-on morning about building with Claude. You will leave with a skill that writes in your voice, a setup that does a weekly admin job for you, and a way to turn an idea into a printable, on-brand design. On your own real work, the whole way.

Friday 19 June, 9:00 to 12:00, Greenmeadows, Stoke. $195 incl. GST.

Book at aisandbox.org.nz/workshops

The Nelson AI Sandbox team recently presented to the Nelson City Council AI Champions group, a regular forum of more tha...
09/06/2026

The Nelson AI Sandbox team recently presented to the Nelson City Council AI Champions group, a regular forum of more than 30 council staff who are exploring how AI is being used across the organisation.

We introduced the Sandbox and demonstrated a range of practical AI capabilities and opportunities. This included showcasing Sandy, our AI robot, along with examples of AI avatars, and "vibe coding" projects developed during our Vibeathon event.

This was an ideas-driven conversation rather than a technical training session, supporting the group's focus on sharing real-world use cases, building confidence, and exploring how AI can deliver value within council operations.

New course at the AI Sandbox: Intro to Gemini and NotebookLM. Monday 22 June, Greenmeadows, three hours.For people new t...
08/06/2026

New course at the AI Sandbox: Intro to Gemini and NotebookLM. Monday 22 June, Greenmeadows, three hours.

For people new to Google’s AI ecosystem. We’ll walk through accounts and costs, run Gemini side by side with Claude and ChatGPT, tour the wider suite, and spend the second half hands-on with NotebookLM, the source-grounded research tool that’s become one of our quiet favourites.

No experience needed. $195 incl. GST. Link below.

https://aisandbox.org.nz/workshops/intro-to-gemini/

Our next members meeting is on Wednesday. Come along for some kai, meet others and learn something new in the AI space.Y...
08/06/2026

Our next members meeting is on Wednesday. Come along for some kai, meet others and learn something new in the AI space.

You don't need to have a deep knowledge of AI to attend these free meetings, you only need to be curious about it. Our next meeting is on Wednesday June 10 at Y-Nelson from 5.30pm. Volpara Health's Alex Smith will talk about Volpara's use of AI in breast screening technology.

We would love to see you there. Email [email protected] if you want to attend, so we can add you to the list and manage catering.)

Our May Members Meeting featured two fascinating presentations showcasing the breadth of AI research and innovation taking place within our own community.

David shared insights from his AI research work, providing a glimpse into the rapid pace of AI development and some of the lessons learned from his exploration of the technology.

Bozhi followed with a presentation on YOLO LLM models, explaining how these emerging approaches are helping push the boundaries of what can be achieved with AI.

It was great to spend time with senior students from Nelson College for Girls last week as part of their media week.We p...
04/06/2026

It was great to spend time with senior students from Nelson College for Girls last week as part of their media week.

We packed a bit into our 30 minutes; introducing the girls to the Nelson AI Sandbox, explaining how Large Language Models work, talking about their limitations, and how to use those tools safely and effectively.

Jack and Jo also talked through how to use AI safely and responsibly in their studies, and introduced NotebookLM as a handy study aid.

The questions afterwards were thoughtful and insightful. The future is in good hands - and the girls gave us plenty to think about too!

Thank you for the opportunity, Nelson College for Girls. 🙏

Supporting young people to understand and confidently and safely engage with AI is a big part of what we do. Get in touch if you'd like us to come to you.

Have you checked out our website?We have a wide range of curated tutorials on everything from AI ethics, crafting your p...
04/06/2026

Have you checked out our website?

We have a wide range of curated tutorials on everything from AI ethics, crafting your prompts, AI and Cybersecurity, AI in Home Design and much more.

Pop on over and give them a try: https://aisandbox.org.nz/curated-streams/

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