New Zealand Government to Trial AI in Drafting Honours Citations
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The New Zealand government is exploring the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline the process of drafting citations for the New Year’s Honours list.The Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) is currently assessing the viability of using AI, specifically a tool called Paerata, after “substantively” using it for this purpose [1].
How Will AI Be used?
Currently, Honours unit staff draft citations from scratch, combining information from the nominee’s request and supporting letters. AI will be used to synthesize this information into a concise summary. However, the process won’t be fully automated. Draft citations generated by AI will be reviewed by a staff member and then sent to the honours recipient for proofing before publication.Unsuccessful nominations remain confidential and are not published.
Introducing Paerata
The AI tool being utilized, Paerata, was developed for internal government use by the Treasury and its Central Agencies Shared Services (CASS) group and became available to othre government departments in May 2024. It operates within the secure Microsoft Azure cloud surroundings. An exemption was required to use Paerata due to government policies restricting the use of personal information by AI. The application for this exemption,signed off by the Cabinet Secretary in July,highlights paerata’s ability to save staff time while maintaining the confidentiality of personal information and public trust in the honours system [2].
Data Privacy and Security
Paerata is designed with data privacy in mind. The system dose not learn from the information it processes and does not retain personal data. All information is stored in a secure database with restricted access. Only authorized personnel can input data and receive draft citations. The system prevents data sharing outside the department.
Initial Assessment and Future Plans
A privacy impact assessment rated the risk of harm from using Paerata for drafting honours as “negligible.” While AI was not used for the 2026 New year’s Honours list, as the necessary approvals were finalized after the citations were largely written, the DPMC will assess the tool’s effectiveness after substantive use. this assessment will determine whether to continue using AI for this task.
New Zealand’s Broader AI strategy
This initiative aligns with New Zealand’s broader strategy for artificial intelligence, which recognizes AI as a significant technological opportunity for maintaining competitiveness and driving economic growth [3]. The government’s AI strategy emphasizes responsible use and aims to deliver better outcomes for all New Zealanders.
Published: 2026/01/07 22:28:44