38726 (2026). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Internal Affairs

38726 (2026). Francisco Hernandez to the Minister of Internal Affairs: How much, if any, was spent in the 2024/25 financial year in the Minister's departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any, on artificial intelligence, including costs on training staff, deploying systems, maintaining subscriptions and any other associated costs?

Hon Brooke van Velden: I am advised by the Department of Internal Affairs that in the 2024/25 financial year, the total artificial intelligence spend was around $0.40 million. The figures include MEC and NEMA. I am advised by Lotto NZ that in the 2024/25 financial year, the total artificial intelligence spend was $358. Regarding the Classification Office, I refer the member to my reply to written question 38723(2026). I am advised by Fire and Emergency New Zealand that in the 2024/25 financial year, the total artificial intelligence spend was around $488,142.73