New Zealand’s first AI strategy

Overview of the Government’s AI Strategy

New Zealand’s first strategy for Artificial Intelligence (AI) was released by the Government in early July. The strategy focuses on AI adoption and practical application, with the aim of enabling businesses to realise the benefits of AI more quickly rather than waiting for foundational AI model development to mature locally.

The Government has outlined its role in supporting this transition, stating that its objective is “to reduce barriers to adoption, provide clear regulatory guidance, build necessary capabilities, and ensure that adoption occurs responsibly.”

The strategy identifies several barriers currently limiting AI adoption and sets out steps to address these challenges.

Addressing Regulatory Uncertainty

One of the main barriers identified is regulatory uncertainty around how existing laws apply to artificial intelligence technologies. This uncertainty has caused many organisations to take a cautious approach when implementing AI.

To address this issue, the Government intends to adopt an enabling and principles-based approach to AI policy. This approach will rely on existing legal frameworks—such as privacy law, consumer protection regulations, and human rights legislation—which can be updated over time to support AI innovation and respond to emerging challenges.

Where necessary, additional legislation may be introduced to address issues that arise as AI technology continues to develop.

Managing Risks and Building AI Capability

Another challenge highlighted in the strategy is the lack of AI expertise within many businesses, as well as concerns relating to privacy, data security, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence.

To help organisations navigate these issues, the Government has released a companion document titled “Responsible AI Guidance for Businesses.”

This document provides practical advice on:

• Implementing AI technologies responsibly
• Managing privacy and security risks
• Meeting regulatory obligations
• Ensuring ethical use of AI systems

The guidance is designed to help businesses adopt AI confidently while ensuring compliance with existing legal and regulatory frameworks.

Improving Understanding of AI Opportunities

A further barrier identified in the strategy is the limited understanding of AI capabilities among businesses. In many cases, organisations may undervalue the potential benefits of AI simply because they are unsure how it could apply to their operations.

The Government hopes that publishing the AI strategy will help address this knowledge gap by increasing awareness and encouraging businesses to explore AI tools and solutions. By doing so, the strategy aims to promote experimentation, innovation, and the development of stronger AI capabilities across New Zealand.

Where to Find the AI Strategy

The full AI strategy and supporting documents are available on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) website: https://www.mbie.govt.nz

Businesses interested in learning more about AI adoption, governance, and regulation are encouraged to review these materials to better understand how the strategy may impact their operations.