Source: New Zealand Labour Party
Artificial intelligence is already changing how we work, access services and make decisions.
But we cannot leave it to a handful of big tech companies to decide how it shapes New Zealand’s future. Labour will make sure it works for all Kiwis.
Today, I released Labour’s AI for New Zealand Action Plan.
Our approach is simple: protect what matters, unlock our potential and lead on New Zealand’s terms.
We will establish an Office of AI to coordinate action across government, with a senior minister accountable for the work.
We will set clear standards so decisions affecting people’s lives remain accountable to people, protect New Zealanders from harmful uses of AI, and ensure creators have control over how their work is used and are properly rewarded for it.
We will help small businesses adopt AI safely, support schools, teachers and students to use it well, and invest in training so people can gain the skills they need. AI should support and create good jobs, not become an excuse to cut them and concentrate the benefits at the top.
And we will make sure large data centres pay their own way.
They should secure renewable energy, cover connection costs and use water responsibly, so households and other businesses are not left carrying the bill. New Zealand households shouldn’t be subsidising the power bills of overseas tech companies.
National’s self-described “light-touch” approach to AI leaves too many decisions to the Big Tech companies. It is also pushing AI across the public service while cutting jobs, without being upfront about accountability, human oversight or the long-term cost to taxpayers.
We can’t afford three more years of National letting Big Tech call all the shots. It’s time New Zealand set its own rules, so that all New Zealanders benefit.
We cannot turn back the clock on AI, and nor should we. The opportunity is enormous. But the benefits will not be shared fairly, or the risks managed in everyone’s interests, by chance.
We will shape this change so it works for New Zealanders.
Labour will seize the opportunities, protect our people and interests, and make sure New Zealand has a say in the rules that govern our future. That is how we will make AI work for everyone.