34168 (2026). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Economic Growth

34168 (2026). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Economic Growth: What automated approvals, if any, are currently operating within the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any?

Hon Nicola Willis: I am advised that the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) currently has one algorithm that performs automated approvals. Employer accreditation applications undergo a series of automated checks. Where an application fails one or more checks, it is referred to an Immigration Officer for manual assessment. Where an application passes all automated checks, approval is granted without manual intervention. MBIE uses other algorithms to support activities such as dashboard automation, risk monitoring, information classification, and the pre-population of information. These algorithms do not make decisions or approvals and require human intervention to inform decision-making. I am advised that with regard to New Zealand Capital Growth Partners the answer is none.