Artificial Intelligence - New Zealand

The Government has consistently signalled it will not introduce AI-specific legislation, judging that existing frameworks (privacy, consumer protection) are largely technology-neutral and can be updated as needed. The approach is described as light-touch, proportionate and risk-based.

MBIE released 'New Zealand's Strategy for Artificial Intelligence: Investing with Confidence' on 8 July 2025, an adoption-focused, principles-based roadmap aiming to lift private-sector AI uptake and productivity (citing potential GDP gains of ~NZD76 billion by 2038). It is non-binding.

Both the national strategy and the Public Service AI Framework adopt the OECD's values-based AI Principles as the guiding ethical framework, aligning New Zealand with other OECD countries on trustworthy AI.

Alongside the strategy, the Government published 'Responsible AI Guidance for Businesses' — a practical, voluntary guide of good practices to support firms adopting AI. It is explicitly non-mandatory.

A framework guiding responsible AI use across government agencies, sitting within the national strategy. It is structured around six pillars (Governance, Guardrails, Capability, Innovation, Social licence, Global voice) and uses OECD principles; agencies are encouraged to align but it is not binding.

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner has issued guidance (initial expectations May 2023; detailed 'AI and the Information Privacy Principles' guidance September 2023) confirming the Privacy Act 2020 and its 13 Information Privacy Principles apply to anyone using AI tools in New Zealand, including duties around privacy impact assessments, transparency, human review and Māori data perspectives.