“Use ethically and with humans in control”: Guidelines for use of GenAI in research in Aotearoa New Zealand published

The guidelines are for all New Zealand researchers who use – or are thinking of using – GenAI tools in their research. This includes those in universities, wānanga, Crown Research Institutes, Māori research organisations, and Pacific research organisations, along with industry-based researchers and independent researchers. It is expected that individuals and organisations will tailor these guidelines for their own purposes and contexts.

The guidelines were developed in collaboration with an expert advisory group and are based on high-level principles to ensure longevity despite rapid changes in GenAI technology and use.

Professor Ali Knott, Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, was one of the experts who contributed to putting the guidelines together.  

“Our aim is for researchers in Aotearoa New Zealand to draw on these guidelines to help navigate a rapidly evolving landscape, enabling them to leverage the innovation and evident benefits that generative artificial intelligence offers, while at the same time being aware of risks and the need to ensure GenAI is used ethically with humans in control.”

“But these guidelines are really just a start: researchers will need more detailed advice about AI use at each stage of the research cycle. And this advice must be regularly updated.”

Associate Professor Te Taka Keegan, The University of Waikato, Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato, who is also part of the expert advisory group said the guidelines are informed by the European Commission’s Living guidelines on the responsible use of generative AI in research and UNESCO’s Guidance for generative AI in education and research, and have been adapted for our local context.

“We hope these guidelines give researchers the confidence to use generative AI in ethically appropriate ways. This includes recognising that, when using generative AI in te reo Māori, principles of Māori Data Sovereignty must be upheld.” 

“Researchers working with Māori information should ensure that AI tools do not claim ownership over Māori data, including te reo Māori and Mātauranga Māori.” 

Distinguished Professor Dame Jane Harding DNZM FRACP FRSNZ, President of the Society, said the guidelines had been prepared as part of the Society’s remit to support researchers and good practice in the research system.

“We hope these guidelines will prove helpful to many researchers across the country, be they already using these tools in their research or thinking of using them.

“The Society is very grateful to the group of experts on the advisory panel who have offered us their time and expertise in putting these guidelines together."

Advisory group

The guidelines were developed in collaboration with:

• Professor Ali Knott, Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington
• Associate Professor Te Taka Keegan, The University of Waikato, Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato
• Professor Giselle Byrnes, Massey University – Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa
• Dr Simon McCallum, Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington
• Associate Professor Mahsa Mohaghegh, Auckland University of Technology, Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makau Rau

View guidelines:
Generative artificial intelligence in research in Aotearoa New Zealand.