AI working group revived by New Environment Canterbury of New Zealand

Environment Canterbury, the regional council for Canterbury in New Zealand, has approved the re-establishment of its Artificial Intelligence Working Group to examine how AI is being used to analyse data, support decision-making, and serve local communities.

Canterbury Regional Councillors approved the group at a Regional Delivery Committee meeting. The working group will provide an informal forum for councillors to explore AI applications, analyse trends, share knowledge, promote digital democracy, and develop informed views on the technology.

The Artificial Intelligence Working Group will be chaired by Councillor Joe Davies and is expected to meet up to four times a year. Workshops will generally be open to the public and will give local developers and AI start-ups opportunities to present their work.

Davies said the decision reflects a proactive approach to governance as AI becomes part of everyday public sector work. He stated: ‘AI is already part of everyday public sector work, and by leaning into these conversations now, we’re making sure we understand what’s happening, what’s coming, and what good governance looks like in this space.’

The group builds on work undertaken during the previous triennium, including discussions with external experts on AI use, regulation, and risk.

Insights from the working group will be reported back to the Regional Delivery Committee to inform future council discussions. Davies said the initiative would help Canterbury engage with technological change openly and responsibly rather than simply reacting to it.

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