Labour is promising a new Office of AI, an online safety regulator and new rules for data centres as part of a plan it says will ensure New Zealand benefits from artificial intelligence.

Labour leader Chris Hipkins said AI was already changing the way people worked, accessed services and made decisions.

“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.”

Hipkins said Labour wanted New Zealand to have greater control over how the technology developed.

“But we cannot leave it to big international tech companies to decide how it shapes our future.”

Under Labour’s AI Action Plan, an Office of AI would be established to coordinate policy across government.

An online safety regulator would also be created within the Department of Internal Affairs, while Labour would develop a copyright framework aimed at giving creators greater control over their work and ensuring they are paid when it is used.

The party is also proposing support for small businesses and community organisations adopting AI, along with an AI in Education team for schools, teachers and students.

Labour said it would work with businesses and unions over how productivity gains from AI were reflected in wages and working conditions.

Large data centres would be expected to secure their own renewable electricity generation and cover their own connection costs.

Labour science, technology and innovation spokesman Reuben Davidson said the policy was aimed at addressing concerns about job losses, harmful content, privacy, energy costs and accountability.

“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.”

Davidson said the party believed New Zealand needed clearer rules governing the use and development of AI so the benefits were shared more widely.