Government's AI Use, Gender Bill, and English Government Agency Names w/ National Party MP Ryan Hamilton: 26 May, 2026

Last week, the government announced that it would intensify AI usage in the public sector, in a move to further reduce spending in the sector. The government have defended this move, but concerns have been raised about the safety, regulation, and vulnerability of AI services.

Last week also saw the Legislation (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill pass its first reading. The member’s bill would seek to, in New Zealand law, define genders, in a move that has been criticised by many as transphobic.

Last week also saw the change of government agencies’ names to give primacy to their English names, rather than te reo Māori first.

This week, Wire Host Alex spoke with National MP Ryan Hamilton about these topics.