
How can New Zealand build AI systems that truly reflect our unique cultural values and protect our creative industries from being overwhelmed by global tech giants?
In the fourth episode of the ALTeR Legally Wired podcast, Professor Alexandra Andhov welcomes Paula Browning CMInstD, Chair of WeCreate: the alliance representing 30,000+ Kiwi creators and creative businesses across fashion, advertising, design, gaming, photography, and beyond.
Drawing from insights at the AI Creative Summit, they explore the critical absence of New Zealand perspectives in globally trained AI systems and debate whether the country should develop its own sovereign AI. The conversation tackles practical challenges around IP protection, particularly how creators struggle to safeguard their work on Big Tech Platforms with constantly shifting rules.
Browning CMInstD addresses the frustrating dynamic where creatives get labelled "anti-innovation" for seeking fair protection, while emphasising the importance of funding AI education for both our teachers and creatives to guide them in the new digital era. Additionally, they discuss the urgent need to update the country's outdated Copyright Act (1994) and Browning CMInstD shares examples of New Zealand AI tools that embody Kiwi values.
This episode highlights new ways to protect, amplify, and future-proof New Zealand’s cultural voice on the global stage. It is essential listening for anyone interested in technology, creativity, and cultural sovereignty in Aotearoa.
Timestamps
(00:50) Introduction
(01:40) What does Wecreate do, and what are they seeing in the creative space?
(07:00) Reflection on the AI Creative Summit: What are your experiences and impressions on where the creative industry in Aotearoa is going?
(08:40) What might a unique New Zealand AI look like and how could it reflect our values?
(14:17) What is a specific example from the Summit showcasing what made New Zealand AI tools distinctly Kiwi?
(15:42) Should New Zealand create its own sovereign AI?
(20:13) Where do we stand in New Zealand when it comes to replicating human work with AI?
(25:21) The difficulties in protecting New Zealand IP in global markets, when they are often subject to changing rules on Big Tech platforms.
(28:30) How creatives get labelled as anti-innovation when protecting their work
(30:15) Big Tech lobbying in NZ
(32:00) Ending on a positive note - what can we do to improve the future
(34:55) Conclusion