Blake Harkness

About me

I’m a Christchurch-based AI engineer and the founder of Harkness AI. I come from a mechatronics engineering background (Massey University), and I now spend my time helping New Zealand businesses work smarter with AI - through consulting, team training, and custom development.

Unlike traditional consultants, I don’t hand over a report and walk away. I stay hands-on from strategy through to a working solution - embedded in your team as a fractional AI engineering partner.

What I do day to day

My week splits between fractional AI engineering - working inside client businesses, including Patersons Land Professionals, to build and run their AI systems - and Harkness AI’s consulting, training, and development work. Across those engagements the team has helped 25+ businesses in New Zealand and Australia and built 50+ automations.

I also publish what I learn: over 300 educational AI videos with more than 1 million views. I run my own business on an AI stack costing around NZ$690 a month, and I share those numbers openly so NZ businesses can benchmark their spend.

Credentials & affiliations

• Mechatronics engineering background, Massey University
• AI Forum New Zealand - AEC Working Group contributor
• Engineering New Zealand - AI Advisory Group member
• Founder, Young Kiwis in AI - 200+ members, meetups across 11+ cities
• Fractional AI engineer embedded with NZ businesses, including Patersons Land Professionals

Speaking & community

I run AI education across New Zealand - from small hands-on workshops to conference sessions of 300+ people, including the M2 AI Summit in Christchurch. I founded Young Kiwis in AI to build a nationwide community for young New Zealanders working in the field, and I joined a New Zealand AI delegation to China to see first-hand how AI is being deployed at national scale.

Where to find me