Cairn

About

About Cairn

Founded in Dunedin by Ben Walker. Since September 2026, part of AI New Zealand.

Cairn started in Dunedin as a technology and AI coach for Kiwi businesses: people, process and technology, in that order, and practical AI teams could use on a Monday.

In September 2026 Cairn joined AI New Zealand. Ben Walker is now a Director and Chief Technology Officer of AI New Zealand, Cairn Consulting is a 50% shareholder, and Cairn's clients are now AI New Zealand clients. The services, training and the free AI Benchmark live at newzealand.ai.

Cairn continues as a company and as the home of The Cairn podcast and Ben's writing. Same person, same approach, now with a national team behind it.

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Our Founder

Ben Walker

Ben Walker bridges the divide between technological innovation and tangible impact, backed by 25 years of hands-on experience in the tech industry. He founded Cairn in Dunedin and is now a Director and Chief Technology Officer of AI New Zealand, where he leads technology and works alongside Kiwi organisations on practical AI adoption. His approach integrates strategic foresight with practical execution, whether designing enterprise solutions, mentoring teams, or tackling ultra-running challenges across New Zealand’s toughest terrain.

This blend of endurance athletics and technology leadership has instilled in Ben the conviction that breakthrough solutions arise through perseverance and a commitment to continuous learning. Ben’s focus lies in applying AI pragmatically within businesses, partnering with organisations to convert complex problems into actionable, effective solutions.

Outside the tech realm, Ben shares insights on adventure running, business leadership, and life lessons through his writing, The Cairn podcast and speaking engagements. If you’re interested in healthcare innovation, practical AI adoption, or the overlap between endurance sports and leadership, Ben would welcome the opportunity to connect.

Ben is a Microsoft Certified AI Business Professional and AI Transformation Leader.

LinkedIn logo with white lowercase letters 'in' on a blue square background.Connect on LinkedIn
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What they say

Ben Walker in glasses and a gray sweater is facilitating an AI workshop in a classroom, pointing at a large screen displaying a list of user prompts and responses. Several students are seated, viewing laptops.
“Ben led the creation of a Digital Strategy for our company to further develop our customer facing digital services. I found Ben extremely quick to pick up and assess complex information as well as making insightful connections that helped us simplify and improve our key focus areas.”
Digital & Innovation Manager, National Water Utility
“Ben did an outstanding job engaging our team and significantly enhancing their understanding of Microsoft Copilot. There were numerous “wow moments” during the sessions, and I am confident that the benefits of the training will have a lasting positive impact on SBS Bank. Ben's ability to articulate complex concepts in an easily understandable manner was particularly impressive and appreciated by everyone.”
Grant Taylor, Chief Technology and Transformation Officer, SBS Bank
ACA conference panel discussion taking place in a large, modern auditorium with many attendees seated and listening to the panelists on stage. The stage has three speakers, two women and one man. Ben Walker is facilitating the panel.
“Both his sessions were well planned, immaculately detailed, and flawlessly executed, and we could not have been happier about having engaged him. Besides being a thorough professional, Ben also has a lovely energy, and his presence is positive and uplifting. We would be happy to recommend him as a speaker & facilitator for similar engagements.”
ACA Conference 2024, Aged Care Association
Ben Walker, an AI advisor and founder of Cairn & Endurance Runner, speaking into a microphone with headphones on during a podcast recording.
“Everyone’s talking about AI, but how do you actually use it to solve real problems, build a better business, and stay grounded in your values?”
Pick a Path Podcast: AI, endurance & leading through change, Sonja Passmore

Frequently asked questions

What is Cairn?
Cairn is a Dunedin technology consultancy founded by Ben Walker. In September 2026 Cairn joined AI New Zealand, where Ben is a Director and Chief Technology Officer and Cairn is a 50% shareholder. Cairn's services now run through AI New Zealand (newzealand.ai). cairn.nz remains the home of The Cairn podcast and Ben's blog.
What happened with Cairn and AI New Zealand?
On 1 September 2026 Ben Walker joined AI New Zealand as a Director and Chief Technology Officer, Cairn Consulting became a 50% shareholder, and Cairn's clients became AI New Zealand clients. Cairn continues as a company and a shareholder.
Where do I find Cairn's services now?
At newzealand.ai. That's where the current services, training courses, the AI Operating System and the free AI Benchmark are listed. Cairn no longer publishes a separate service list.
Does Cairn still provide technology strategy or Virtual CIO services?
No. Cairn no longer provides services directly. Technology strategy remains part of Ben's capability and is delivered only as part of an AI New Zealand engagement. Contact AI New Zealand to talk it through.
I'm a Cairn client. Who do I contact now?
Ben, same as before. Email connect@cairn.nz or ben@newzealand.ai, or book a time through the usual link. Existing agreements carry on as written.
What happened to Cairn Compass?
It's now the AI Benchmark at newzealand.ai/benchmark. compass.cairn.nz redirects there.
Is The Cairn podcast continuing?
Yes, here on cairn.nz, hosted by Ben.
Who is Ben Walker?
Ben Walker is a Dunedin-based technology leader with 25 years in technology and digital health. He founded Cairn and is now a Director and Chief Technology Officer of AI New Zealand. He is a Microsoft Certified AI Business Professional and AI Transformation Leader, and hosts The Cairn podcast.

Get in touch

Drop me a line.

For services and new engagements, start at newzealand.ai. Anything else, email connect@cairn.nz.