Airport staff upskill in AI amid lack of government guidelines
Cook Islands News
Staff from a state-owned enterprise successfully completed an introduction session to Artificial Intelligence (AI), even though the government is yet to draft a standalone policy on its use.
Airport Authority staff participated in the Kia Orana AI Training, delivered by Tayla Beddoes, Pacific Group AI founder.
Airport Authority Cook Islands staff recently successfully completed the Kia Orana AI Training Workshop, finding the session eye-opening, relevant, and effective for introducing practical, safe, and culturally aligned AI use for everyday work. The workshop, organized and facilitated by Tayla Beddoes, founder of the Cook Islands-based AI transformation agency Pacific Group AI, was held on Friday, December 4th, 2025.
Cook Islands News contacted the Office of the Prime Minister's Chief of Staff Karopaerangi Ngatoko to confirm whether the government had an AI policy guiding its use within government agencies. Ngatoko confirmed that “there is no stand-alone AI policy regarding the use of AI within organizations.”
The AI training workshop for Airport Authority Cook Islands staff ran smoothly. Participants provided positive feedback regarding its relevance and its contribution to their day-to-day work.
Airport Authority Cook Islands Human Resources Manager, Moari Fortes Ngamata shared that participants reflected on the session positively. “Participants found the training eye-opening and immediately relevant to their work” she said. Many commented that they appreciated how easy Tayla made the technology to understand, and several people said they now feel more confident using AI tools safely and effectively in their roles.
According to Ngamata, the AI training is designed to introduce practical, safe, and culturally aligned use of AI for everyday work.
“Tayla Beddoes showed how tools can help with productivity, communication, and problem solving, while also highlighting the responsible use aligned with workplace policies and local values.”
The training was opened to interested individuals rather than a required session for staff. The manager clarified that there were people who showed genuine interest in the workshop, as many were curious about how AI could support their roles within the organisation.
“And the hands-on format helped make the concept feel practical and accessible,” she added.
The session was a success, drawing staff members from various departments who were interested in learning how AI could be implemented to support their daily tasks. Ngamata said that they had a diverse group of participants, which significantly boosted the discussions and valuable shared perspectives. The workshop ran from 9am to 12pm. According to the Ngamata, it was structured to give a solid overview while still allowing time for hands-on examples and discussions.
“The workshop went exceptionally well. It was a positive, high-energy session with strong engagement from everyone who attended.”
