Nelson AI Sandbox

02/09/2026

Never touched AI before? These two free tutorials are a great start.

Start with Introduction to Generative AI to see what these tools are and what they can do with text, drawings and documents. Then move into Crafting Your Prompts to learn how to ask for what you actually want, so you get something useful back.

Read them, give it a go, and you’ll be further along than most people. Explore the full library under the 'Learn AI' section on our website.

And if you get stuck, drop in and see us at Halifax Cafe.

31/08/2026

Marlborough residents this is for you. We're bringing two hands-on AI workshops to Blenheim this week.

Thursday 3 September, AI for Business, is the place to start if you know AI matters but aren't sure where to begin. Practical tools and real examples you can use the same week. No prior experience needed.

Friday 4 September, AI for Marketers, is for anyone in a marketing or comms role. Use AI across your whole marketing, from strategy through to reporting.

Both are in-person half-days. Do either on its own, or both. Hands on, no hype.

Book: https://business.marlboroughchamber.nz/eventcalendar/Details/ai-for-business-1896684?sourceTypeId=Website· https://business.marlboroughchamber.nz/eventcalendar/Details/ai-for-marketing-1896687?sourceTypeId=Website

30/08/2026

Each week the Nelson AI Cafe sees a range of people wanting help to learn how to use AI tools on projects they are working on. Do you have something you need some help with? Come and see us at the Nelson AI Cafe, inside Halifax Cafe opposite Elma Turner Library. Book a session via our website or drop in and see us.

30/08/2026

Kinda chic to get free AI training.

Kinda chic to save hours on your funding applications.

Kinda chic to walk away with your own AI policy.

Kinda chic to join 200+ other not-for-profits who've already done it.

Definitely chic to have Rātā Foundation support.

Not kinda chic to miss the EOI for our next round of free workshops in Nelson/Tasman and Christchurch for not-for-profits.

Get yours in now: https://aisandbox.org.nz/rata-workshops/

28/08/2026

Free AI training for not-for-profits, expressions of interest now open for our popular Rātā Foundation funded workshops

Calling all not-for-profits in Nelson, Tasman, and now in Christchurch! Thanks to our partnership with Rātā Foundation, we're running another free AI workshop series this September and October, and after 200+ organisations joined last time.

These sessions are designed for decision-makers, managers, and board members guiding their organisation's strategy or operations, no technical background needed. You'll come away with practical ways to save time on funding applications and reporting, build your team's confidence with AI, and even start shaping an AI policy for your organisation. Each series is two half-day sessions a week apart.

Places are limited, so if your organisation would like to take part, register your interest now (this is an EOI, not final registration; we'll follow up once dates are confirmed):

Spaces fill up fast, so get your expression of interest in now (this reserves your place, dates will follow):
https://aisandbox.org.nz/rata-workshops/

Tag a not-for-profit who'd love this!

28/08/2026

25/08/2026

Someone came in to the Nelson AI Cafe recently with a pest problem. They left with a plan for an app to help solve it.

That's one example of the kind of help that happens at Nelson AI Cafe.

If you've got a task eating up your time, come and talk to us. We'll help you find a way to claw that time back.

The Nelson AI Sandbox is a not for profit, and sessions are free.

Book online or just walk in. Monday to Saturday at Halifax Cafe.

24/08/2026

⭐ 10/10, 10/10... we're seeing a pattern here!

Whether you're curious about AI and don't know where to start, or you've hit a roadblock and need help getting unstuck, we're here to help you.

Completely free
Bookable online
No question too basic, no problem too niche
All stages of your AI journey welcome

Come and have a chat, at your pace, in a relaxed and welcoming space at the Nelson AI Cafe.

Halifax Cafe, Nelson

20/08/2026

We see a range of people at the Nelson AI Sandbox Cafe wanting help with AI. Our sessions with an AI specialist are free, book via our website or walk-in. We are located in the Halifax Cafe.

"Jack at Nelson AI Sandbox was very helpful in listening to what my situation was. He showed me how to use the AI platforms I have setup for my online business in a more optimal way.

"During the session with him, I developed more confidence in efficiently organising my systems. Instead of getting caught up in the tech, feeling behind, stuck, or like I'm wasting my time using AI, might as well have it work FOR me.

"Nelson AI Sandbox is a great way to befriend this new tool that will continue to evolve. I also loved being able to book a time online, it's a great way to plan my day accordingly."

Claudia-Sam Cataford Sauvé, 10/10

18/08/2026

Do you have questions about AI? Sessions with our AI Specialist are FREE. Book a slot with our specialist at our AI Cafe inside Halifax Cafe (opposite Nelson's Elma Turner Library) and see why we consistently get 10/10 reviews.

We help everyone those who are on the start of their AI Journey to those who are further along their journey and need more guidance and help.

The Nelson AI Sandbox is a not-for-profit and our mission is to help the community use and understand AI safely, and leave no one behind. Link to our website in the comments. 🤖