54210 (2024). Hon Dr Deborah Russell to the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology

54210 (2024). Hon Dr Deborah Russell to the Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology: Does she stand by her comments made at the Diplosphere event on 28 August 2024, where she said regarding artificial intelligence, that “New Zealand is not a market, right? It's a test bed, in my opinion,” if so, what measures, if any, is she taking to ensure that artificial intelligence is used responsibility with New Zealand serving as a ‘test bed’ for innovation in artificial intelligence?

Hon Judith Collins: I am promoting the responsible use and development of AI in New Zealand by communicating this approach. New Zealand already has laws that are largely principles-based and technology-neutral, which can provide applicable rights and remedies for AI risks. Additionally, I have commissioned MBIE to create responsible AI guidance for business. New Zealand businesses can build local innovative solutions with a proportionate regulatory approach, aligned with the OECD AI Principles. Within public sector agencies the Government Chief Digital Officer (GCDO) has developed a work programme to support agencies to safely adopt and innovate with AI and steward AI uptake for the system overall. This work programme will develop and share lessons and guidance that empower agencies to safely trial and scale their use of AI.