AI and transparency: How government agencies could avoid ballooning OIA costs

New Zealand’s government agencies spent $183.6 million responding to nearly 159,000 Official Information Act (OIA) requests in the 2024/25 financial year, a threefold increase in spending over the past decade. The Ministry of Justice projects costs could rise to $342 million by 2030/31 if current trends continue, prompting calls for efficiency measures. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith has asked officials to assess potential reforms to the OIA to improve cost-effectiveness while preserving transparency. A December briefing to Goldsmith noted concerns about rising OIA requests, with 77% of inquiries directed at six agencies, including NZ Police ($50 million), Health New Zealand ($16.4 million), and Corrections ($10.8 million). The ministry contracted Tregaskis Brown to model future costs, though estimates may be conservative due to limited data on request complexity. To mitigate rising expenses, the Ministry of Justice recommends agencies proactively release more information and adopt AI-driven solutions, such as chatbots and automated systems, for routine queries. Goldsmith has not yet decided on reforms but expects advice this year, with consultation potentially starting in mid-2026 or 2027. Officials warn any OIA review will face high public scrutiny, as the act is constitutionally significant and tied to freedom of expression. A March letter from the Ministry of Justice and Public Service Commission urged agencies to share insights on OIA costs and operational challenges. The goal is to safeguard the official information system while exploring efficiency improvements. The ministry plans extensive public consultation, including input from media, academics, and civil society, with a proposed 10-12 week review period to address stakeholder concerns.