New Zealand’s official information legislation is a powerful tool for people to access government information and participate in our democracy. People can request information from Ministers and government agencies under the Official Information Act (OIA) and Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA). When requested, information must be provided unless there is good reason not to.
The increasing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the way information is accessed, interpreted and understood. Some people are choosing to use AI to help them with official information requests. There are risks in using AI when requesting information. It must be used responsibly.
AI can help to summarise, organise and refine information. However, AI does not get it right all the time. If you want to use AI to make an official information request, we have some practical advice to help you get the most out of AI, while also avoiding some of the common problems that can occur.
AI is a developing area, and we will update this guide from time to time.
Remember—you don’t need to use AI to make an information request. Please see our guide on Making official information requests for further information. This includes handy tips and a template for making an information request.
Please also see our guide Practical advice on AI for complainants.