PremiumOpinionOpinion byChris KeallTechnology Editor/Senior Business Writer·NZ Herald·16 Jul, 2026 01:00 AM7 mins to readChris Keall is the technology editor and a senior business writer for the NZ Herald.‌“We will create a legal obligation for the next generation of large-scale data centres to underwrite new power supply," says Australian PM Anthony Albanese. Photo / GettyMy heart was stirred when social media highlights started to appear of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s big speech on AI, which inevitably provoked comparisons with New Zealand’s relatively hands-off approach.

“Effective today, I am establishing The Office of AI in my own Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet,”