A quick, no-fuss guide to getting started with AI

1. Pick a tool (any of these is fine)

They all work in a similar way: you type, it replies. Pick one and stick with it for a couple of weeks before trying others.

2. Free or paid?

Start free. The free versions are plenty for trying things out and for most everyday writing jobs.

Consider paying once you're using it most days. Paid plans usually give you the smarter models, more use before you hit limits, and features like uploading bigger files. Individual plans have typically been around US$20 a month, and business plans can add better privacy controls for teams. Prices and features change often, so check the current details on each provider's website.

3. Safe-use tips

• Think before you paste.Leave out names, addresses, phone numbers, IRD numbers, bank details, health info and passwords. Use placeholders like [customer name].
• Check the facts.AI can sound sure of itself and still be wrong. Double-check numbers, dates, laws and prices.
• You're still responsible.If it goes out under your name, read it first. Your customers are dealing with you, not the AI.
• Check your settings.Most tools have a setting about whether your chats can be used to train their models. Have a look and choose what you're comfortable with. Business plans often have stronger protections.
• Watch for NZ details.Many tools default to US or Australian spelling, laws and prices. Say "I'm in New Zealand" and "use NZ English" in your prompt.
• Agree some team rules.If staff use AI, agree what's OK to use it for and what never goes in. A one-page policy is plenty.

4. The NZ Privacy Act 2020, in plain English

If your business collects personal information (customer names, emails, bookings, staff details), the Privacy Act 2020 applies to you. The basics:

• Only collect what you need, and be open about why you're collecting it.
• Use it for the reason you collected it. Pasting customer details into an AI tool is a use, so think about whether it fits.
• Keep it safe. Sharing personal info with an overseas AI service means it leaves your hands, so be careful.
• If there's a privacy breach that's likely to cause serious harm, you need to tell the Privacy Commissioner and the people affected.

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner has free guidance, including on using AI, at privacy.org.nz. This page is general info, not legal advice.

5. Write better prompts with this simple recipe

Then keep chatting. "Make it shorter." "More like how I'd say it." "Give me 3 options." You'll get better results in two or three goes than trying to write the perfect prompt first time.