34029 (2026). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Conservation

Written Question

Published date: 12 Aug 2026

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	34029 (2026)
Question asked:	30 Jul 2026
Member asking:	Francisco Hernandez
Portfolio:	Minister of Conservation
Minister replying:	Hon Tama Potaka
Answer received:	06 Aug 2026
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_34029_2026
Document guid:	83f91e4e-ec23-49ce-a472-2b258b777855

34029 (2026). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Conservation: What procurement process, if any, was used for purchasing artificial intelligence tools, if any, currently being used within 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 has used its standard procurement practices for artificial intelligence tool procurement. Microsoft Copilot was procured through the DIA Microsoft Cloud, Software and Services Agreement (MCSSA). In addition, DOC has engaged suppliers through direct sourcing arrangements and the DIA Marketplace to provide professional services supporting the development, configuration, and testing of AI-enabled solutions for specific business use cases.