Rotorua Faces First Election Shaped by AI in Campaigning

Rotorua voters are heading into their first local election shaped by the presence of artificial intelligence, with candidates divided on whether AI tools enhance campaigns or undermine the authenticity expected in politics, reports The New Zealand Herald.

The October election will be the first since the rise of ChatGPT, and already, some candidates are grappling with the ethical and practical implications of AI-generated content.

According to a report by The New Zealand Herald, University of Waikato anthropology lecturer Dr Bronwyn Isaacs, who studies the cultural politics of AI, likened generative-AI material to “constant two-minute noodles”, quick, cheap and prolific, but not always nutritious.

She warned that while AI can assist with ideas and communication, it often “hallucinates,” drawing on unreliable sources and risking the reinforcement of stereotypes.

A survey of Rotorua Lakes Council candidates by Local Democracy Reporting revealed a sharp divide. Some, including Mayor Tania Tapsell and Māori ward candidates Trevor Maxwell and Te Whatanui Skipwith, said they were steering clear of AI entirely.

General ward candidate Matthew Doidge argued voters deserved “genuine candidates” and suggested any AI use should be disclosed, a view echoed by several others, reported The New Zealand Herald.

Other contenders admitted to using AI for practical tasks like logo design, grammar checks, research, video editing or website support.

Mayoral hopeful Don Paterson said he was comfortable using AI creatively so long as it was not used to “distort facts or mislead.” Fellow candidate Mariana Morrison agreed AI could streamline campaign work, but insisted her values guided the final messaging.

Critics, including Robert Lee and Ryan Grey, expressed concern that AI-generated text could make some candidates appear “more literate and coherent” than they truly are, potentially misleading voters about their ability to advocate at the council table.

Meanwhile, candidates like Reynold MacPherson argued AI use was already “standard practice,” though he stressed outcomes depended on the skill of the user.

The growing sophistication of AI also extends to deepfakes, manipulated audio, images, or video, which Local Government New Zealand warned could cause “serious harm” if used to misrepresent candidates.

As Rotorua prepares for polling, the debate over AI reflects a broader challenge: balancing efficiency and creativity with authenticity and trust in local democracy.