What procurement process, if any, was used for purchasing artificial intelligence tools, if any, currently being used within the Minister’s departments, agencies, crown entities and any other bodies that the Minister is responsible for, if any?

Answer

Copilot pro licenses at the Environmental Protection Authority were acquired as an approved artificial intelligence tool through a one-off purchase order with an existing Microsoft licensing supplier under an existing contractual arrangement. No separate procurement process was undertaken for this purchase. I am not responsible for any other departments, agencies, Crown entities, or other bodies. Members may be aware that I was previously responsible for the Ministry for the Environment. That responsibility ended when the Ministry for the Environment merged into the new Ministry for Cities, Environment, Regions and Transport (MCERT) on 1 July 2026. Responsibility for MCERT now sits with the Minister responsible for RMA Reform. I therefore refer the Member to the Minster Responsible for RMA Reform’s reply to written question 34004 (2026).