The New Zealand government released its first National Artificial Intelligence (AI) strategy and set up a roadmap to promote innovation and productivity while ensuring responsible and secure AI development. The strategy, titled “New Zealand Strategy for Artificial Intelligence: Investing with Confidence,” aims to provide clarity and confidence to businesses seeking to integrate AI into their operations, and illustrates step changes in the country's approach to emerging technologies.
Responding to international trends and local needs
Until now, New Zealand has been the only country in the OECD without a formal AI strategy despite its rapid global adoption of AI. This new strategy is designed to help New Zealand catch up with other small, advanced economies and address the growing gap in AI readiness among local organizations. Government analysis found that most New Zealand companies are still in the early stages of adopting AI, and many lack a clear plan to integrate technology.
The government's announcement highlights the possibility that AI could drive significant economic growth, suggesting that the technology could potentially subscribe to $76 billion in GDP by 2038. Recognizing both opportunities and challenges, the strategy focuses on building local capacity, promoting innovation, and managing responsible risks.
Light touch regulations and clear guidance
An important feature of the strategy is its commitment to light touch regulations. The government has chosen not to introduce new AI-specific laws at this stage and instead relies on existing legal frameworks regarding privacy, consumer protection and human rights. The aim is to provide clear regulatory guidance that reduces barriers to AI adoption and enables innovation.
To support the safe and responsible use of AI, the government has released voluntary responsible AI guidance along with its strategy. This guidance is intended to help organizations use, develop and innovate AI in a way that is ethical, transparent and consistent with international best practices. This approach is informed by the OECD AI principles and emphasizes the importance of maintaining transparency, accountability and public trust.
The strategy also undertakes participation in global efforts to closely monitor international development and develop a consistent approach to AI governance.
Focus on business recruitment and workforce skills
Unlike some strategies that prioritize AI research and development, New Zealand's approach focuses primarily on enabling companies to adopt and apply AI. The government sees the greatest opportunity for local businesses to take AI technology, adapt to New Zealand's needs and use them to create value in key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare and education.
This strategy acknowledges several barriers to the wider adoption of AI, including a shortage of skilled workers, a lack of understanding of how to effectively deploy AI, and uncertainty regarding the regulatory environment. To address these issues, the government supports a variety of initiatives to build AI skills within the workforce, providing advice and support to help businesses prepare and benefit AI.
The strategy is designed to give businesses confidence to invest in AI, and the government is committed to identifying and removing legal or practical obstacles that could hinder innovation. There is also a commitment to ensuring that AI is developed and used in a way that is inclusive and reflects the needs of Māori and other communities.
Support innovation in both the public and private sectors
The new strategy focuses primarily on the private sector, but it shows the intention of government to lead by example in the public sector as well. Another workflow, led by the government's Minister of Digitalization, is underway, exploring ways in which AI can improve public services and support digital transformation across government agencies.
By taking a coordinated enablement approach, the government hopes to position New Zealand as a leader in the responsible adoption of AI. The strategy expresses clear expectations for businesses and government agencies, encourages investment in AI technology that will drive productivity, provide better service and help New Zealand compete at the global stage.
Next Steps
The government will continue to monitor the deployment of AI strategies, engage with industry, academia and communities, ensuring that New Zealand's approach is adapted to technological and social change. Responsible AI guidance will be updated as needed, and the authorities will continue to closely monitor international developments to ensure that New Zealand's regulatory environment is suited to its purpose.
With this announcement, New Zealand is committed to embracing AI opportunities with a focus on comprehensive and innovative recruitment for the benefit of all New Zealanders.
