As the world grapples with the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), New Zealand’s government is taking a cautious but optimistic approach to its adoption. While some local authorities are already using AI in the workplace, the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment has blocked staff from using ChatGPT and similar ungoverned open generative AI tech to protect its data and systems. The government is developing a plan for the use of AI, with ethics, bias, privacy, and security being major concerns. The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment is working with the Department of Internal Affairs to advise ministers on New Zealand’s AI approach, with more information expected to be released later this year.
The government is seeking to take a balanced and agile approach to enable safe AI innovation, while being flexible to change as the tech and context evolves. New Zealand is guided by existing laws and regulations such as the Human Rights Act and the Privacy Act. Some councils, like Tauranga City Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council, are already using AI tools, but with strict checks and balances in place to mitigate potential risks.
While the slow adoption of AI by the government could lead to inconsistencies in AI use across different levels of government, causing inefficiencies and unequal service quality, experts believe that AI has the potential to modernize public services in New Zealand, benefiting everyone.
