25820 (2026). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology

25820 (2026). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology: How much, if any, is the total budget in the Minister's departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, for the 2026/27 financial year on artificial intelligence- including costs on training staff, deploying systems, maintaining subscriptions and any other associated costs?

Hon Penny Simmonds: As Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, I have no responsibility for any government departments. With regard to agencies, Crown entities and other bodies under the Science, Innovation and Technology portfolio, I am advised that the total amount estimated to be spent on AI-related costs across is $2,042,310.80. Please note that Earth Sciences NZ does not have a separately identified budget for AI costs, REANNZ AI training costs are also not separately identified, and that NZIAT is unable to confirm the budgeted figure for 26/27 because this has not been finalised.