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RNZ News
2 hours ago
- RNZ News
Government unveils its first-ever national artificial intelligence strategy
In the plan's forward written by Science and Technology Minister Shane Reti he said New Zealand was the last OECD country to publish such a strategy. Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii New Zealand has - at last - joined other countries in tackling the AI opportunity and challenge, with the government unveiling its first-ever national artificial intelligence strategy. The plan - titled "Investing with Confidence" - has been met with enthusiasm from the business sector, but concern from critics who say it sets a "dangerous path forward" and is "worryingly light" on ethical considerations. In a foreword, Science and Technology Minister Shane Reti said New Zealand needed to get moving on AI, noting it was the last OECD country to publish such a strategy. "Artificial intelligence represents one of the most significant technological opportunities of our time," Reti said. "For New Zealand, embracing AI is not merely an option - it is essential." The plan - which was developed with the assistance of AI - positions New Zealand as a "sophisticated adopter" rather than as an inventor of new foundational models. For its part, the government is promising a "light-touch and principles-based" approach using existing legislation and regulations, rather than introducing new ones. "The government aims to encourage investment in AI adoption by reducing uncertainty, removing unintended and unwanted barriers to AI in legislation, and providing clear guidance on responsible AI innovation within New Zealand's existing legal framework." As well, the strategy includes a commitment to grow AI expertise in New Zealand, noting that this year's Budget includes more than $200 million for tuition and training subsidies and more than $60m for STEM and priority areas. Dr Andrew Lensen, a senior lecturer in Artificial Intelligence at Victoria University, said the strategy was heavy on economic growth opportunities but "worryingly light" on ethical and societal issues. "The strategy suggests that new legislation is unnecessary, which I, and many other AI researchers, disagree with," Lensen said. "Having 'principles' is not nearly sufficient to reduce AI-induced harm, bias, and inequity. We need clear legislation and well-resourced enforcement mechanisms to ensure AI does not further harm New Zealanders." Lensen, who also co-directs an AI consultancy, raised the risks of sourcing modern healthcare AI systems from overseas, for example, which might have no regard for New Zealand's unique demographics. "This AI Strategy sets a dangerous path forward for New Zealand, with an attitude of economic growth above social good." In contrast, the Auckland Business Chamber chief executive Simon Bridges applauded the new strategy, saying it would give "clarity and confidence" to many small and medium enterprises which were currently unsure where to start. "This strategy cuts through the fog," Bridges said. "It's practical, not hype. If we don't get moving, we'll fall behind - but this gives Auckland a real platform to lead." A 2024 Datacom survey found that 67 percent of larger New Zealand businesses utilised some form of AI, up from 48 percent in 2023. However, a separate Spark-NZIER survey, also last year, said 68 percent of SMEs had no plans to explore the technology. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Otago Daily Times
3 hours ago
- Otago Daily Times
Waitaki's water move might not comply, partners warn
Waitaki's former southern council partners have fired a warning after its decision to quit the group and go it alone on water services. Waitaki district councillors today voted to exit the Southern Water Done Well partnership, cutting the district loose from Clutha, Central Otago and Gore. In its place the district will instead pursue an in-house water services delivery unit. The decision comes after the Department of Internal Affairs said joining a four-way, multi-district water company was the "only viable option" for the district. The proposed partnership would have united the four councils' water services into a single regional organisation, with a shared cost of $13.8 million for establishment. Central Otago mayor Tamah Alley, Gore mayor Ben Bell and Clutha mayor Bryan Cadogan said in a statement after the vote the government had been clear about its expectations for council collaboration. 'When considering next steps, councils will need to be mindful of whether alternative options comply with Government regulations and expectations.' The trio acknowledged councils had to make decisions in the best interests of their communities but said a jointly-owned water company remained the best option. 'The government has been quite clear about its expectations for councils to work together to deliver Local Water Done Well legislation. 'Southern Water Done Well meets those expectations and sets a strategic, long-term direction for delivering financially sustainable, efficient water services while retaining local control." Clutha and Central Otago district councils meet this Thursday to decide their water services delivery model, while Gore District Council's meeting is on Monday. Public consultation across the four councils drew in over 1000 submission with the in-house business unit model the preferred option in Waitaki (54%) and Clutha, while only 26.7% supported the joint entity, most popular in Gore and Central Otago. Waitaki District Mayor Gary Kircher said after today's decision the council would focus on an in-house water business unit for the next two years at least, subject to the DIA reviewing and approving the plan. "I'd like to thank the community for sharing their opinion, the councillors for their consideration of this important topic, our officers for the hard work they've put in over the last 12 months, and our partner councils in the Southern Water Done Well group,' he said in a statement.
Scoop
4 hours ago
- Scoop
Council Publishes 2025 Pre Election Report
Marlborough District Council has published its 2025 Pre Election Report to provide information for voters and potential candidates about Council's finances, major projects and key challenges. The report is required under legislation and designed to help promote public discussion about the issues facing Council and to encourage informed debate in the lead-up to the October 2025 local government elections. It includes demographic information about the province, a list of Council's major projects over the next three years, a financial overview and the outlook for Council from the perspective of Chief Executive John Boswell. 'The key challenges ahead include the creation of a new water services organisation, the new ferries replacement project, the Government's legislative reforms and how we plan to manage and respond to the impacts of climate change,' Mr Boswell said. 'Local government is a complex and challenging environment that requires both a strategic understanding of what's important to those who work at the political and strategic level, as well as a deep understanding of what matters most to the community it serves. 'The coming Council term - October 2025 to October 2028 - promises to be a period of both opportunity and challenge as a number of Government reform proposals are likely to be either finalised or enacted, decisions regarding key infrastructure projects are made, and a range of key community initiatives are progressed. A new Long Term Plan will be progressed with a full public consultation expected in early 2027. 'The development of a strong new councillor team is crucial to ensuring that Marlborough not only continues to provide the best possible service to our community but looks to how we can best position our district for the future,' he said.
