AI 'panic': Back office jobs cut – but not the expected roles

New Zealand Police cut two dozen jobs in its file management unit last month as part of a restructure affecting more than 60 positions, while its Transcription Services team was largely spared despite staff fears about AI since 2024. Police said AI was not a factor in the workforce reductions, though a restructure document stated that as technologies become embedded they "will directly influence the size, structure, and skill mix of our workforce." Police began using Axon AI to transcribe interviews on Monday, after earlier trials of Whisper AI that were largely suspended following concerns from transcription staff.