38416 (2024). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Statistics

38416 (2024). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Statistics: 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 Andrew Bayly: I am advised that Stats NZ is not currently using generative AI technology for any statistical purposes. Older, more established AI technologies, such as machine learning, are used in modelling to support census enumeration and provisional estimates of migration. Stats NZ has developed the following plans to date to manage risks associated with AI: • Stats NZ have mapped internal processes to govern Stats NZ’s uses of AI, to ensure we have a decision-making framework in place prior to considering any future use cases. • Any future AI use case being considered will need to undergo an algorithm impact assessment. • All future AI use cases being considered and progressed within Stats NZ will be captured in a register to maintain oversight and transparency. • Stats NZ will make use of available public sector resources to manage risks associated with AI.