Use of Artificial Intelligence
We’re committed to responsible and ethical use of AI, and ensuring data and privacy are protected. Our use of AI includes tools that help complete specific tasks, as well as generative AI that can create new content from large datasets.
What you should know about our use of AI
- Does AI make decisions? No. We do not use AI to make any decisions about individuals, funding allocations, regulatory action, or submissions we receive.
- Is personal information used? No. We remove personal details before using AI tools.
- Is AI replacing staff? No. AI does not replace staff. AI tools are only used by staff to assist their work. Staff are always the authors of the work and accountable for what is produced.
How we use AI safely and responsibly
We know AI use carries risk. To minimise this risk Council has established systems to guide its use.
- Review and approve any new AI tools before they are used, with oversight from staff with specialised knowledge.
- Remove all personally identifiable information, this includes names, addresses, contact details or financial records.
How Environment Canterbury is using AI
AI is currently being trialled or used at Environment Canterbury for:
Environmental monitoring trials:
- Identifying winter grazing using satellite remote sensing
- Detecting nassella, gorse and broom. (Proof of Concept)
- Detecting irrigated areas and the type of irrigation used
Enhancing productivity:
- Through reviewing reports, summarising complex information, editing of drafts
- Data analysis
- Summarising consultation feedback and identifying themes
Improving cyber security:
- Enhanced threat detection and analysis
- User behaviour analytics
- Malware detection and prevention
- Phishing and email scam detection
- Vulnerability management and patch prioritisation
- Automated incident response
AI governance and oversight
We have working group of Councillors who consider strategic and emerging themes in AI and Governance.
Read about Council’s decision to re-establish the Artificial Intelligence Working Group and how it will support future AI governance discussions.
Learn more
- Read the Government’s Public Service AI Framework
- Learn more about how we manage personal information in our privacy policy