The strategy released this afternoon is a signal of “unwavering support for private sector investment in AI,” the government says.
The strategy document says NZ’s use of Artificial Intelligence “shows promise but requires acceleration,” and that the government’s role includes reducing barriers, providing regulatory guidance, building capability, and ensuring responsible adoption.
The document itself was also “written with the assistance of AI.”
The SMC asked experts to comment.
Dr Andrew Lensen, Senior Lecturer/Programme Director of Artificial Intelligence, Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, comments:
“As expected, the Government’s AI Strategy is heavy on economic growth opportunities but worryingly light on the ethical and societal issues of AI. The Strategy takes a “light-touch and principles-based approach”, all but ruling out new legislation for managing the risks of AI. The Strategy suggests that new legislation is unnecessary, which I, and many other AI researchers, disagree with. Having “Principles” is not nearly sufficient to reduce AI-induced harm, bias, and inequity—we need clear legislation and well-resourced enforcement mechanisms to ensure AI does not further harm New Zealanders.
“The AI Strategy does not mention The Treaty of Waitangi—not even once. Māori face unique risks from AI, with most modern AI systems being sourced from overseas Western contexts, which have been designed with Western values in mind. Consider, for example, a healthcare AI system sourced from the USA—how can there be no guidance in the AI Strategy about the need to validate and refine such systems for the unique demographics of our society?
“This AI Strategy sets a dangerous path forward for New Zealand, with an attitude of economic growth above social good.”
Conflict of interest statement: “In addition to my substantive academic role, I am co-director of LensenMcGavin AI.”