13 Aug 2023

AI fails to comprehend Buller councillors

10:41 am on 13 August 2023

By Ellen Curnow of the Westport News

AI Artificial intelligence Deep machine learning concept. Robot icon on mobile phone screen.

Photo: 123RF

The artificial intelligence (AI) programme which creates YouTube subtitles sometimes struggles to decipher the thuck Kiwi uccents and skupped sullabuls around the Buller District Council table.

At times, it gives up altogether and the subtitle just reads [foreign], [music] or [applause].

But the AI's version is often more interesting than what councillors really say.

Here are some examples from YouTube of a recent council meeting, with the AI version first, followed by what the speaker actually said.

Buller Mayor Jamie Cleine

AI: "…following a call for experience of interest from those living within the local area who have been dominated by at least two residents or ratepayers…"

Cleine: "…following a call for expressions of interest from those living within the local area who have been nominated by at least two residents or ratepayers…"

AI "…which again really does require resolution of cattle…"

Cleine: "…which, again, really does require a resolution of council…"

Cr Colin Reidy

AI: "…the council shall procure an amendment to their own standing orders to ensure compliance with the screaming…"

Cr Reidy: "…the council shall procure an amendment to their own standing orders to ensure compliance with this agreement…"

AI: "…that all this uh Jesus should be made available…"

Cr Reidy: "…that all agendas should be made available…"

Cr Linda Webb

AI: "I know our subcommittee and Uncle Whoa will be."

Cr Webb: "I know our subcommittee at Inangahua will be."

Cr Toni O'Keefe

AI: "…obviously all members kill like there needs to be reasons and grounds attached to this…"

Cr O'Keefe: "…obviously all members feel like there needs to be reasons and grounds attached to this…"

Cr Annelise Pfahlert

AI: "I just think there's a great hair really that…"

Cr Pfahlert: "I just think, as a ratepayer reading that…"

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