Last week we took the opportunity to provide a submission on behalf of the AI Forum to the government’s Digital Strategy for Aotearoa discussion document.
We supported the intention of developing a digital strategy for Aotearoa and noted the importance that artificial intelligence should play within any digital strategy. We recommended that the strategy’s vision and goals be amended to reflect the critical foundations that would be needed to enable the Government’s proposed vision. We recommended that foundations such as skills, data and artificial intelligence would sit across all three themes of Mahi Ahe (Growth), Mahi Tika (Trust) and Mahi Tahi (Inclusion).
This is one of several submissions we have made on behalf of our members and the next one we are working on is the Emission Reductions Plan. Have your say here.
In case you missed it, last month saw the release of The State of AI in New Zealand report. The report notes that there is a stark divide in AI use and risk of Kiwi organisations being left behind. Moreover, the report provides the fullest picture yet of the rate and extent of our adoption of AI technologies and you can download it for free here.
Last week we released the AI for the Environment Survey to our members as part of the AI Forum’s research into the potential for AI to contribute to local environmental outcomes. Funded by Stats NZ Tatauranga Aotearoa and the Ministry for the Environment Manatū Mō Te Taiao, the research aims to identify opportunities for NZ to lead the world in AI-environment projects. If you or your organisation works in this field we invite you to tell us about your work by completing the survey.
For a bit of light reading, check out Fast Company magazines winners of the next big things in AI and data. These products, services, and technologies leverage AI and data to address an array of very real problems, including bias at work, online fraud, and the challenge of keeping voting systems secure and trustworthy. My favourite is password-free security. Stay well,
Nāku noa
Louise Taylor
AIFNZ Deputy Chair
