Labour released its artificial intelligence policy on 9 September 2026, promising a coordinating AI office inside government, new copyright rules for material used to train AI, and conditions on the electricity and water use of large data centres.

What it does

Labour would set up an Office of AI within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to coordinate AI policy across government and set standards for responsible use. It would widen the scope of the online safety regulator the government is already establishing for its under-16s social media restrictions. A copyright framework would govern how creators' work is used to train AI systems, covering how creators can control that use and be paid for it. Large data centres would be required to secure their own renewable electricity supply, pay their own grid connection costs, cut demand at times of peak stress on the network, and use water efficiently. The package also includes support for AI education in schools and a fund to help small businesses adopt the technology.

Where it stands

Labour leader Chris Hipkins and technology spokesperson Reuben Davidson launched the policy at Victoria University of Wellington. Davidson said the party would make big data centres pay their own way by securing their own renewable energy and covering their own connection costs. He acknowledged the policy has not been costed and said the party could not guarantee public sector jobs against AI displacement. ACT leader David Seymour said regulation already exists through the Ministry for Regulation and NetSafe, questioned what Labour's proposals would add, and argued Labour was framing AI as a threat rather than an economic opportunity.