Why Critical Thinking Matters

Meg reflected on the importance of critical thinking — a skill she first learned from a teacher at high school, and one she says is more vital than ever in today’s digital world.

In a landscape where algorithms push us to consume content passively, she encouraged pakihi to practise constructive scepticism. That means questioning information, checking multiple sources, and being aware of our own biases, such as favouring the most recent idea we’ve seen or only seeking evidence that confirms what we already believe.

“AI can help us craft narratives and strategies, but we need to keep our brains engaged. Critical thinking is about asking: what’s the source, can I verify it, and am I only seeing what I want to see?”

Meg also highlighted the responsibility to model these habits for tamariki, so they grow up confident in navigating the digital world.

Using AI as a Thought Partner

For pakihi, AI is best treated as a thought partner rather than an authority. While AI can distill information and save time, we must remain the leaders of our own stories and decisions.

Meg suggested:

• Think conversation, not search. Prompting AI is a back-and-forth exchange, not a one-off question.
• Let AI teach you AI. Ask tools like ChatGPT to generate prompts that help you learn.
• Customise your tools. Features like custom instructions can make AI reflect your values, style, and context.

“We’re the thought leaders. AI is the thought partner. We don’t abdicate responsibility to it — we guide it.”

Stay Curious, Stay Humble

Meg reminded us that success for Māori businesses often extends beyond profits — it’s about whakapapa, impact, and legacy. She urged kaimahi to embrace a humble and curious mindset when using AI.

“No one is really an expert in this space. It’s always changing. The leaders I admire aren’t afraid to say, ‘I don’t know’ — but they’re always asking questions.”

Her guiding pātai: How might AI help me tell my story and enable my success, according to my definition?

Practical Ways Pakihi Can Use AI

During the Q&A, kaimahi asked how AI could support tasks like financial management, back-office admin, and coding. Meg’s advice:

• Start with the platforms you already use — Copilot for Microsoft users, Gemini for Google Workspace, or ChatGPT as a generalist.
• Use AI to tackle the tasks you often put off.
• Build confidence by testing AI in areas you already know well.
• Create a framework for evaluating tools, especially important if working with sensitive information.

Meg also shared her journey of deepening her use of Copilot while co-authoring a book for Microsoft Press. By investing time into a specific tool, she discovered which tasks it handled best — while still using ChatGPT for broader or more general purposes.

Levelling the Playing Field for Pakihi Māori

For many Māori businesses, AI has the potential to be a great equaliser. One participant shared how AI saved them thousands in app development costs, freeing up resources to reinvest in business growth.

Meg agreed, noting that AI gives pakihi the ability to bring ideas to life without needing technical expertise from the outset. With curiosity, critical thinking, and a clear sense of values, AI can be a powerful enabler.

Key Takeaways

• Critical thinking is essential — both for pakihi and tamariki.
• AI is a partner, not a boss — guide it with your own whakaaro.
• Customisation matters — tailor tools to your needs and values.
• Stay humble and curious — the learning never stops.
• AI can help pakihi Māori thrive — cutting costs and saving time so focus can stay on what really matters.

👉 Did you miss this session?
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