A one-year pause on new AI data centres

The Green Party says it will implement a one-year pause on new artificial intelligence (AI) data centres amid concerns they use too much electricity and water.

“Without proper safeguards, everyday New Zealanders could end up paying the price for AI data centres whilst overseas companies take the profits,” it said.

“At a time when many people are already facing high power bills and increasing energy hardship, it is not acceptable to proceed with the unregulated development of such resource-intensive infrastructure.”