Education consultant, AI specialist and ImpactEd co-founder

Overview

Arnika Macphail is one of Aotearoa New Zealand's leading voices on AI, digital learning and the future of education. The co-founder and Managing Director of education consultancy ImpactEd, she works with schools across the country on curriculum, digital learning and AI integration. Audiences also love her deeply personal keynote, "Drop Out to Director," on mental health, mindset and overcoming adversity.

Who is Arnika Macphail? Arnika spent much of her own high school years feeling disengaged before finding her way back to education and earning a Masters in Education endorsed in Leadership, plus postgraduate study in eLearning and digital technologies. She has taught in early childhood, special education and primary schools in NZ and internationally, and is a Microsoft Innovative Educator Fellow, Google Certified Educator and Apple Teacher. She co-founded ImpactEd in 2018 with her partner David, and now works with schools and leaders right across the motu.

Career Highlights • Co-founder and Managing Director, ImpactEd • Microsoft Innovative Educator Fellow, Google Certified Educator and Apple Teacher • Masters of Education endorsed in Leadership (University of Canterbury) • National speaker on AI, digital equity and digital wellbeing • International keynote credits at Microsoft E2 (Toronto) and Women in IT (Singapore) • 20+ years' experience across NZ and international classrooms

Key Speaking Themes • AI in education and the workplace • Digital wellbeing, persuasive technology and screen culture • Resilience, mindset and overcoming adversity ("Drop Out to Director") • Equity, inclusion and future-focused learning • Leadership and change in educational settings

What Your Audience Will Gain Arnika is engaging, future-focused and refreshingly grounded. Audiences leave with practical, ethical strategies for using AI and digital tools — and the personal challenge that comes with hearing a powerful story about resilience and reinvention.

Ideal For • Education conferences and principals' associations • Technology, innovation and AI events • Leadership and women in business forums • Wellbeing and mental health programmes • Schools, kāhui ako and tertiary audiences

Frequently Asked Questions...

What does Arnika Macphail speak about? AI in education, digital wellbeing, ethical technology, resilience, mental health and leadership. Her signature personal keynote is "Drop Out to Director."

What is ImpactEd? The education consultancy Arnika co-founded in 2018, supporting schools across NZ on curriculum, leadership, digital learning and AI integration.

Is Arnika Macphail an AI expert? Yes. Arnika is a leading NZ voice on ethical and practical AI in education and the workplace, including instructional design and digital wellbeing.

Has Arnika Macphail spoken internationally? Yes. She has presented at Microsoft E2 in Toronto and Women in IT in Singapore, among other international engagements.

Does Arnika Macphail's work suit non-education audiences? Yes. While her base is education, her work on AI ethics, digital wellbeing and resilience translates strongly to corporate, technology and leadership audiences.

Is Arnika Macphail available for keynotes and workshops? Yes. Arnika delivers keynotes and workshops across NZ for schools, corporates and leadership audiences.