Replacing NZ public servants with AI could come with hidden costs, critics warn
Critics warn that replacing public servants with artificial intelligence may incur hidden costs that could offset projected savings. The government plans to cut 8700 jobs in the public sector, aiming to save $2.4 billion over four years. Experts highlight the ongoing expenses associated with AI technology, which may not have been fully accounted for in the government's financial projections.
- ▪The government plans to reduce the public sector workforce by 8700 positions.
- ▪Critics argue that the costs of implementing AI could negate the expected savings.
- ▪Experts emphasize that enterprise-scale AI involves ongoing costs such as licensing and upgrades.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Replacing public servants with artificial intelligence could come with more costs, critics say. Photo: 123RF Replacing public servants with artificial intelligence could come with more costs that will eat into any savings, say critics. The government says the plan to cut another 8700 people sector jobs in about 40 core agencies will save $2.4 billion over four years. The coalition government's basic recipe for cutting the public sector size and wage bill is to reduce the head-count and increase use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. When Roger May, a retired forestry consultant of Motueka heard this, he emailed Finance Minister Nicola Willis to say that "is going to take time and money". He then told RNZ: "8700 knowledgeable bureaucrats are about to be axed.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at RNZ.