Kia ora Simeon Brown,

Under the Official Information Act, I am requesting the following information:

1. Was artificial intelligence, including large language models (e.g. OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, or similar tools), used in any capacity to draft, edit, review, or generate the content of your Facebook post regarding the planned ASMS strike on 1 May 2025?

For reference, I have copied the full post below this letter.

If the answer to Question 1 is yes, please provide:
2. The specific name(s) and version(s) of any AI tools used.

3. A description of how each tool was used (e.g. drafting, rephrasing, editing, formatting, sentiment checks).

4. The position title(s) (not individual names) of the person(s) responsible for approving the final version of the post.

5. Copies of any internal policies, guidance documents, or standard operating procedures that govern the use of AI in Ministerial communications or public messaging.

If the answer to Question 1 is no, please advise:

6. Whether AI tools are used more broadly in your Ministerial communications (e.g. for speeches, newsletters, social media posts, media releases), and under what circumstances they are utilised.

7. What processes, if any, are in place to ensure factual accuracy, public accountability, and ethical oversight when AI tools are used in the preparation of public-facing communications.

This request is made in the public interest, with a view to promoting transparency around the role of generative AI in political and government communications, particularly during periods of public and industrial sensitivity.

Ngā manaakitanga,

Dr Vanamali Joseph
MBChB (Auckland)
Independent IT Consultant

#####

Your Facebook Post, Posted 15th April 2025

Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1NAXukP...

It’s deeply disappointing that the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) union is going on strike on 1 May. Their members, senior doctors, are walking away from patients and cancelling care.

This isn’t how we fix the health system. It’s a decision that will hurt patients.
This union-led strike action will cancel around 4,300 planned care procedures or first specialist assessments, and up to 4,300 radiology procedures.
Critical procedures booked the day before may also be affected. The ripple effects will last well beyond 1 May.

We value our senior doctors. They are a vital part of our health system and play a key role in delivering timely, quality healthcare to New Zealanders.
They also receive significant remuneration for the key role they play – with an average total remuneration of $343,500.

Senior doctors receive six weeks of annual leave, fully paid three-month sabbaticals every six years, and reimbursement for medical licences, college memberships, and insurance.
They are well supported – and it’s important to acknowledge the full package they receive.
Let’s be clear – this strike is a choice, not a necessity.

Senior doctors also receive two weeks of paid leave each year for conferences and training, on top of their annual leave. Meanwhile, patients are left facing cancelled care and longer waitlists.

Striking won’t shorten waitlists. Walking off the job won’t fix system pressure. But it will delay care for thousands of New Zealanders who’ve already waited too long.
Health New Zealand is at the table, ready to negotiate in good faith. I urge the ASMS union to come back to talks. Striking isn’t leadership. It’s failing patients – and New Zealanders expect better.

We’re focused on reducing wait times, funding more surgeries, and putting patients first. Senior doctors play a critical role in delivering on this plan – ensuring all New Zealanders have access to timely, quality healthcare.

The ASMS union should return to talks – not walk away from patients. There’s still time to do the right thing.

Kia ora Simeon Brown,

Thank you for your reply of 21 May 2025 regarding my Official Information Act request.

I acknowledge the information provided, but must respectfully advise that it does not answer my request in full. A complaint has been lodged with the Office of the Ombudsman.

To clarify:

1. Use of Generative AI
My primary question was whether generative artificial intelligence, including large language models such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or Microsoft Copilot, were used in any capacity to draft, edit, review, or generate the Minister’s Facebook post regarding the ASMS strike on 1 May 2025.

The response refers only to the use of Otter.ai for transcription and to unspecified “spell checking services” that may involve AI. It does not directly confirm or deny the use of LLMs or other generative AI tools. This leaves the core of the request unanswered.

2. Tool Name(s) and Version(s) (Q2)
The request asked for the specific names and versions of any AI tools used. Only Otter.ai is mentioned. No versions are provided, and no clarity is given regarding the use or non-use of other generative tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot).

3. Description of Use (Q3)
There is no explanation of how the tools were specifically used in preparing the Facebook post - whether for drafting, rephrasing, editing, formatting, or sentiment analysis. This was explicitly requested.

4. Broader Use of AI in Communications (Q6)
The response does not address whether generative AI tools are used more broadly across Ministerial communications, such as speeches, newsletters, media releases, or other social media posts. This portion of the request remains unanswered.

While the reference to the Public Service AI Framework is appreciated, it does not substitute for disclosure of how - or whether - those principles were applied to this particular communication.

This request was made in the public interest, to promote transparency in the use of AI during a period of heightened public concern and industrial action. Clear and specific answers are necessary for maintaining public trust in the integrity of Ministerial communications.

I therefore respectfully request under the OIA - A direct and complete response to all parts of my original request, including a clear confirmation or denial of the use of generative AI tools (e.g. ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot) in the preparation of the 15 April 2025 Facebook post.

Ngā manaakitanga,
Dr Vanamali Joseph

##############
##############
##############

This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Official Information request 'Use of Artificial Intelligence in Ministerial Communications - ASMS Strike'.

21 May 2025

Dr Vanamali Joseph

By email:
[FYI request #30774 email]
Ref:
SBOIA25-683

Dear Dr Joseph

Response to your request for information

Thank you for your request under the Official Information Act 1982 (the Act) on 20 April to
the Minister of Health, Hon Simeon Brown. As you wil be aware, the Minister is focused on
delivering access to timely, quality healthcare for all New Zealanders.

You requested:

“Was artificial intelligence, including large language models (e.g. OpenAI’s ChatGPT,
Google Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, or similar tools), used in any capacity to draft, edit,
review, or generate the content of your Facebook post regarding the planned ASMS
strike on 1 May 2025?
If the answer to Question 1 is yes, please provide:
2. The specific name(s) and version(s) of any AI tools used.
3. A description of how each tool was used (e.g. drafting, rephrasing, editing,
formatting, sentiment checks).
4. The position title(s) (not individual names) of the person(s) responsible for
approving the final version of the post.
5. Copies of any internal policies, guidance documents, or standard operating
procedures that govern the use of AI in Ministerial communications or public
messaging.
If the answer to Question 1 is no, please advise:

6. Whether AI tools are used more broadly in your Ministerial communications (e.g.
for speeches, newsletters, social media posts, media releases), and under what
circumstances they are utilised.
7. What processes, if any, are in place to ensure factual accuracy, public
accountability, and ethical oversight when AI tools are used in the preparation of
public-facing communications."

Al Ministerial communications are developed by staff in the Minister’s office and are subject
to the approval of the Minister himself. As the Minister has said in the publicly available
replies to Written Parliamentary Questions 4538 (2025), 4625 (2025), and 4630 (2025),
artificial intelligence software, such as Ot er.ai, has been used on occasions for the purpose
of transcribing audio files for events such as media stand ups. These transcribed audio files
are often used for preparing subsequent writ en communications, including content for the
Minister’s Facebook posts related to the union strikes planned for 1 May 2025. Additionally,
spell checking services may involve artificial intelligence software.

The use of these artificial intelligence tools are guided by the Public Service AI Framework
developed by the Department of Internal Affairs. This framework ensures that tools are used
responsibly, with human oversight, and in a manner that upholds transparency, trust, and
accountability. You can find more information about this framework at the following link:
www.digital.govt.nz/standards-and-guidan...
intelligence/public-service-artificial-intelligence-framework.

Under section 28(3) of the Act, you have the right to ask the Ombudsman to review any
decisions made under this request. The Ombudsman may be contacted by email at:
[email address] or by calling 0800 802 602.

Yours sincerely

Brian Anderton
Senior Ministerial Advisor

#####

Your Facebook Post, Published 15th April 2025

Link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1NAXukP...

It’s deeply disappointing that the Association of Salaried Medical Specialists (ASMS) union is going on strike on 1 May. Their members, senior doctors, are walking away from patients and cancelling care.

This isn’t how we fix the health system. It’s a decision that will hurt patients.
This union-led strike action will cancel around 4,300 planned care procedures or first specialist assessments, and up to 4,300 radiology procedures.
Critical procedures booked the day before may also be affected. The ripple effects will last well beyond 1 May.

We value our senior doctors. They are a vital part of our health system and play a key role in delivering timely, quality healthcare to New Zealanders.
They also receive significant remuneration for the key role they play – with an average total remuneration of $343,500.

Senior doctors receive six weeks of annual leave, fully paid three-month sabbaticals every six years, and reimbursement for medical licences, college memberships, and insurance.
They are well supported – and it’s important to acknowledge the full package they receive.
Let’s be clear – this strike is a choice, not a necessity.

Senior doctors also receive two weeks of paid leave each year for conferences and training, on top of their annual leave. Meanwhile, patients are left facing cancelled care and longer waitlists.

Striking won’t shorten waitlists. Walking off the job won’t fix system pressure. But it will delay care for thousands of New Zealanders who’ve already waited too long.
Health New Zealand is at the table, ready to negotiate in good faith. I urge the ASMS union to come back to talks. Striking isn’t leadership. It’s failing patients – and New Zealanders expect better.

We’re focused on reducing wait times, funding more surgeries, and putting patients first. Senior doctors play a critical role in delivering on this plan – ensuring all New Zealanders have access to timely, quality healthcare.

The ASMS union should return to talks – not walk away from patients. There’s still time to do the right thing.