ALGIM Webinar: AI, Privacy and the Public's Trust: What Councils Must Get Right

Everyone’s talking about AI - but are we skipping the foundations that matter most?

As councils start exploring tools like Microsoft Copilot and Generative AI, there’s a real risk of moving too fast without shoring up the basics. And the biggest gap we’re seeing? It’s not your technology; it’s your information foundation.

Drawing on our work with over 200 New Zealand organisations, including many Councils we’ll unpack the three most critical elements for getting privacy and AI right:

Information Classification – Why applying sensitivity labels is essential to protect personal and official information

Data Quality & Protection – How to make sure AI doesn’t surface the wrong content to the wrong people

Governance Framework – Practical ways to embed privacy by design into your AI approach, with clear roles and guardrails

This session is designed for councils navigating the real-world tension between innovation and compliance. If you’re planning, piloting, or just getting curious about AI, join us to learn how to prepare responsibly - and protect the public’s trust while you do it.

Because in local government, privacy isn’t optional - it’s a duty.

About the Presenter:

Sarah Heal
Chief Executive
Information Leadership

Sarah Heal is an enthusiastic advocate for the power of information. With a career that began at Archives New Zealand, she brings a deep recordkeeping and information management background, including leadership roles in local government.

As co-founder and CEO of Information Leadership, Sarah has helped grow the company over two decades into a nationally recognised thought leader in information and knowledge management. Today, Information Leadership supports over 200 customers across Aotearoa with a team of 65 staff, delivering innovative digital workplace solutions that make work better, safer, and smarter.

Sarah is a sought-after speaker on topics such as digital transformation, AI integration, and the future of information governance.