38362 (2024). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills

38362 (2024). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister for Tertiary Education and Skills: How, if at all, are the Minister's departments, if any, currently using AI, and what plans, if any, have been developed to manage the risks associated with AI?

Hon Penny Simmonds: I refer the member to responses below on how the departments are currently using AI: As Artificial Intelligence (AI) is being incorporated into many of the third-party services and tools (such as Microsoft Teams) used by the Ministry of Education (the Ministry), I am advised that the Ministry has clear guidelines on how its staff can use AI and Generative AI safely in their work. These guidelines can be found on the Ministry’s website at: https://intranet.education.govt.nz/communication/communication-essentials/artificial-intelligence-ai-and-generative-ai-genai/. In particular, these guidelines limit general use of AI for sensitive information and aligns with the AI policy guidance provided by the Department of Internal Affairs. The Ministry will continue to assess how AI can be safely used by its staff to improve individual and group productivity. Tertiary Education Commission (TEC) does not use AI in any of its software application algorithms. AI large language models like ChatGPT can be utilised by TEC staff under strict published guidelines. TEC is a signatory to the Algorithm Charter of Aotearoa New Zealand which requires us to assess the risk and impact of any algorithm including AI, from a transparency, partnership, people, data, privacy, ethics and human oversight perspective. TEC also has an AI working group to consider the risks, impacts and opportunities of AI. New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA) - I am advised that NZQA currently has an Artificial Intelligence (AI) policy, that outlines how NZQA can use AI safely, particularly focusing on limiting the general use of AI for sensitive information and ensuring the role of human judgement. It aligns with the AI policy thinking of the Department of Internal Affairs. NZQA is currently running small projects internally to investigate if AI could improve productivity and customer experience. Additionally, NZQA is utilising its in-house Data Science team, who have AI skills, to assist in NCEA assessment authenticity and integrity. NZQA has also invested in a Data Science platform that will allow for safe and controlled use of AI for targeted projects. The AI work will be governed by a cross-organisation Data Governance Committee. I am advised that Education New Zealand (ENZ) does not currently use AI for any of its work. ENZ follows guidance issued from the Government Chief Digital Officer.