Green Party proposes open-ended pause on large-scale AI data centres

The Green Party has announced a policy to regulate artificial intelligence to ensure benefits are shared with New Zealanders rather than just technology companies. The party is now calling for an open-ended pause on consenting new hyperscale data centres until a regulatory framework is established. This represents a change from a previous proposal for a one-year moratorium.

Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick stated, “Artificial Intelligence should work for people and the planet – we don’t work for AI. The Greens will regulate it responsibly, for the public good”. She added that government exists to regulate to ensure benefits are shared and harms minimised.

The proposed plan includes mandatory environmental impact assessments for hyperscale data centres and requires new facilities to provide additional renewable generation to cover their full energy use. It also seeks to impose water-use limits, community consultation, and local consent requirements.

Under the policy, the government would not allow fully automated decisions for anything that could make a substantive difference to people's lives in public services. The Greens also propose creating an AI office, initially within the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, which would eventually become an independent AI Commission.

Where reports differ

• The Greens previously proposed a one-year moratorium on new hyperscale data centres but have now shifted to an open-ended pause

Compiled from reports by The Post, Stuff, Otago Daily Times and NZ Herald.