10244 (2026). Camilla Belich to the Minister of Foreign Affairs

10244 (2026). Camilla Belich to the Minister of Foreign Affairs: What new artificial intelligence or machine learning systems, tools, or platforms, if any, have been commissioned, contracted, or deployed by any department or entity for which the Minister is responsible since 27 November 2023, listed by system name, supplier, purpose, contract value, and date of commissioning?

Rt Hon Winston Peters: I am advised that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has deployed Microsoft Copilot Chat, a generative artificial intelligence tool used by staff to assist with researching, drafting, and summarising unclassified information. The supplier is Microsoft, and there is no additional contract value as Copilot Chat is included within the Ministry’s existing Microsoft licensing. The tool was deployed in October 2024 and enhanced with Microsoft data protection functionality in July 2025. I am further advised that the Asia New Zealand Foundation deployed Microsoft Copilot as part of its Microsoft 365 suite in October 2025 to support productivity and administrative functions, with no additional contract costs. The Foundation also uses free versions of other AI platforms for staff learning, development, and minor tasks. For Antarctica New Zealand, I am advised that since 27 November 2023 the organisation has deployed Microsoft Copilot (Basic) as part of its standard Microsoft E3 licensing. The system, supplied by Microsoft, supports staff productivity and modern workplace functions and was commissioned in June 2024.