34017 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Conservation

Written Question

Published date: 29 Jul 2025

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	34017 (2025)
Question asked:	10 Jul 2025
Member asking:	Francisco Hernandez
Portfolio:	Minister of Conservation
Minister replying:	Hon Tama Potaka
Answer received:	22 Jul 2025
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_34017_2025
Document guid:	36bc59b4-59b0-4fa6-a80f-c99a129facc6

34017 (2025). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Conservation: How, if at all, is AI profiling and/or facial recognition used in the Minister's departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any?

Hon Tama Potaka: I am advised that the Department of Conservation permits the use of facial recognition technology exclusively for internal staff authentication purposes. Specifically, DOC staff may use facial recognition to log into Windows 11 laptops issued by the Department. Beyond this, neither AI profiling nor facial recognition technologies are used within the Department, including in relation to members of the public.