Luxon's Waitangi Speech: Would a robot do better?

The jury is still out.

You can read prime minister Luxon’s Waitangi speech on the Beehive website.

Well, at least he showed up and gave a speech. In the past, PMs have sometimes declined the invitation to attend, due to the level of anger. And this is one of those moments of mobilisation against the government.

Here was Mr Luxon’s chance to shine as the force for national unity and reconciliation. Indeed he did say, ‘there is more that unites us than divides us.’ But just google that phrase and you’ll instantly find out how unoriginal it is.

Anyway, Mr Luxon used the speech to talk about the things his government will do for the benefit of Māori and others. He treated it as a chance to boost his government’s policies. And he couldn’t resist reprising some old pre-election jibes: ‘Some savings will have to be used to pay off the huge debt Labour left the country, and some will be returned to you as tax relief.’

What he ‘actually delivered’ was a copy-and-paste job. I’ve commented before on his need for a better speech-writer so that he doesn’t sound repetitive and robotic. But, speaking of robots, I asked ChatGPT to ‘write a Waitangi Day speech for the prime minister of New Zealand’. And so, immediately below is the AI-generated result, verbatim. It may not be the greatest, but I’ll let you be judge of which speech was better.

“Ladies and gentlemen, fellow New Zealanders,

“Kia ora koutou katoa.

“On this auspicious Waitangi Day, I stand before you as your Prime Minister with a deep sense of respect and gratitude. Today marks a celebration of the unique partnership between the Crown and the indigenous people of Aotearoa, the Māori. It is a day to reflect on our shared history, acknowledge our challenges, and renew our commitment to forging a future of unity and understanding.

“Waitangi Day holds immense significance as a symbol of the covenant between the Crown and Māori, encapsulated in the Treaty of Waitangi. It is a document that embodies the spirit of partnership, protection, and participation. As we commemorate this day, it is crucial to recognize the importance of upholding the principles of the Treaty in every facet of our nation's life.

“We acknowledge that the journey towards true partnership is ongoing, and we must confront the challenges that persist. We are committed to addressing historical grievances, working collaboratively with iwi, and ensuring that the principles of the Treaty are woven into the fabric of our governance, policies, and institutions.

“Our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi extends beyond words. It is reflected in our actions, policies, and initiatives aimed at reducing disparities and promoting the well-being of Māori. We are dedicated to improving outcomes in health, education, employment, and housing, recognizing that the well-being of Māori is integral to the well-being of New Zealand as a whole.

“The revitalization and preservation of te reo Māori are central to our efforts. Language is not only a means of communication but a vessel of culture and identity. We are invested in supporting initiatives that promote the use of te reo in schools, workplaces, and communities, ensuring that the richness of Māori culture is embraced and celebrated across the nation.

“Waitangi Day is not only a time for reflection but also a day to celebrate the diversity that defines us as a nation. We are proud to be a multicultural society where people of various backgrounds and cultures coexist harmoniously. Our commitment to fostering inclusivity and understanding between cultures remains resolute.

“As we look to the future, let us embrace the spirit of partnership and unity that Waitangi Day represents. Together, let us build a New Zealand where the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi are not just observed but embedded in the hearts and minds of every citizen. It is through collective effort, understanding, and respect that we will continue to strengthen the bonds that unite us as one nation, indivisible.

“Kia ora, kia manaaki, kia tū rangatira ai.

“Thank you, and may this Waitangi Day be a celebration of unity and shared aspirations for a better, more inclusive future for all.”

ChatGPT, 6 February 2024.