Labour will make AI work for New Zealanders

SECTOR UPDATE - Labour 

Labour will make sure New Zealand is ready to seize the opportunities AI presents, manage the risks and ensure people benefit from the technology. 

“AI is changing how we work, access services and make decisions, Labour will make sure it works for Kiwis," Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said.

"Used well, AI has huge benefits. It can cut hospital paperwork so doctors and nurses have more time with patients. Workers and small businesses can be more productive. Certain services can be delivered more efficiently.

“But we cannot leave it to big international tech companies to decide how it shapes our future. Labour has a plan to make AI work for New Zealanders, not just the companies that build and own it,” Chris Hipkins said.

Labour's AI Action Plan will:

• Establish an Office of AI to coordinate AI policy across government
• Establish an online safety regulator within the Department for Internal Affairs.  
  
• Develop a copyright framework so creators control and are paid for their work
  
• Set clear rules for data centres so households aren't left carrying the cost
  
• Support small businesses and community organisations to adopt AI safely
  
• Establish an AI in Education team to support schools, teachers and students
  
• Work with businesses and unions to make sure productivity gains show up in wages and conditions
  

“New Zealanders can see the opportunities of AI, but they also see the risks, whether that's job losses, harmful content, data centres driving up energy costs, or a lack of accountability for important decisions that affect people's lives,” Labour science, technology and innovation spokesperson Reuben Davidson said.

"Labour will protect what matters, unlock the benefits, and make sure New Zealand sets the rules on its own terms. That means protecting peoples’ rights, safety and privacy, creative work, and ensuring that there is always human accountability. 

“We'll also make big data centres pay their own way, securing their own renewable energy and covering their own connection costs. New Zealand households shouldn't be subsidising the power bills of overseas tech companies.

"We can't afford three more years of National letting big tech call all the shots. It's time New Zealand set its own rules, so that all New Zealanders benefit," Reuben Davidson said.

Source: Labour media release

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