Cairn

About

About Cairn

Your technology and AI coach — drawing from a marathon of experience in digital health, technology, and AI adoption.

We're here to help Kiwi businesses not just keep pace, but surge forward in the digital race. Picture us as your technology and AI coach, drawing from a marathon of experience in digital health, technology, and AI adoption.

We have a focus on balancing people, process and technology to simply build better outcomes. Getting started with AI or boosting your digital maturity isn't always an easy journey on your own. We're here to help you get started and then stay on track as you build capability, efficiency and confidence in your technology investments.

We understand that not every business can afford a full-time CIO or has a mature game plan – that's where we come in, offering tailored solutions that match your pace and budget. Partnering with us means crossing the finish line with confidence, armed with strategic insights, unwavering support, and a shared commitment to your success.

Let's lace up those business shoes and hit the ground running, whether you're in Otago, Southland, or anywhere across the country. Together, we'll forge ahead with purpose, in relentless pursuit of your business goals.

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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. As the founder of Cairn, Ben is dedicated to harnessing technology to revolutionise delivery models and enhance lives. Ben’s approach seamlessly integrates strategic foresight with practical execution, whether designing enterprise solutions, mentoring teams, or tackling ultra-running challenges across New Zealand’s toughest terrain.

This distinctive 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 my writing and speaking engagements. If you’re interested in exploring healthcare innovation, practical AI adoption, or the synergy between endurance sports and leadership, Ben would welcome the opportunity to connect.

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

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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

Cairn partners with

Practical AI workshops and training for New Zealand businesses.Updraft logo with a stylized bird in flight above the text.Secure, grow, innovate. With Unisphere by your side.Logo of AI Forum New Zealand with a black circular design and green accents, accompanied by the text 'AI Forum New Zealand' and a Māori phrase 'Te Kahui Atamai Iahiko o Aotearoa'.Drowning in a sea of choice? We help you make smarter technology decisions.Business South logo with a stylized hexagon icon and the words 'Business South' in blue text.

Frequently asked questions

What is Cairn?
Cairn is a New Zealand AI and technology consultancy founded by Ben Walker. We help Kiwi businesses adopt AI and navigate technology with confidence, balancing people, process and technology to build better outcomes.
Who is Ben Walker?
Ben is Cairn's founder, with 25 years of hands-on experience in technology and digital health. He is a Microsoft Certified AI Business Professional and AI Transformation Leader, focused on applying AI pragmatically within businesses.
Where is Cairn based, and who do you work with?
Cairn is based in Dunedin and works with organisations across New Zealand — from Otago and Southland to nationwide — including financial services, health, aged care, education and professional services.

Contact us

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