The government of New Zealand has introduced an artificial intelligence (AI) framework designed to guide the responsible adoption of AI across public service departments. This initiative outlines a structured approach to integrating AI into government operations while maintaining public trust and confidence.
Paul James, the Chief Digital Officer of the government, emphasized that the framework aims to harness AI’s potential to create value for citizens while ensuring transparency and accountability. According to James, leveraging AI in a structured manner could lead to enhanced customer experiences, improved efficiency, and greater productivity in the public sector.
Framework Objectives and Key Elements
The AI framework establishes the government’s vision, guiding principles, policy considerations, and an implementation plan for AI within the public service. The overarching goal is to incorporate AI responsibly into modern government services to achieve improved outcomes for all New Zealanders.
One important part of the framework is making the switch from old systems to AI-powered ones while making sure that basic values that focus on people are still a big part of how the systems are designed. These values include adherence to the rule of law, respect for human and labor rights, and principles that support democratic participation. The framework advocates for “human-in-the-loop” oversight, which ensures that AI-driven decisions remain subject to human evaluation. Additionally, transparency, data protection, regulatory compliance, and accountability mechanisms form the foundation of AI adoption within government operations. The Treaty of Waitangi, a cornerstone of New Zealand’s constitutional framework, also plays a role in shaping AI policies. The framework incorporates public service obligations under the treaty and recognizes the importance of Māori perspectives on AI. Ethical considerations, bias mitigation, and data governance are areas where Māori viewpoints are expected to contribute significantly.
Support for Government Agencies and AI Implementation
To facilitate AI adoption, government agencies will have access to various support mechanisms outlined in the framework. These include capacity-building initiatives and the integration of “safety by design” principles in AI deployment. These measures are intended to reinforce public trust in AI by ensuring that its implementation is both inclusive and subject to human oversight. Additionally, the framework acknowledges that existing policies may either hinder or accelerate AI adoption. Consequently, the government plans to continuously evaluate and adjust policies based on their impact on AI integration. The government has already assessed the use of AI in public sector agencies and made public the insights from a 2024 survey. Moving forward, additional resources and tools, including updated guidance on generative AI, are expected to be published in 2025.
Alignment with Global AI Strategies
New Zealand’s AI framework aligns with broader international efforts undertaken by the Five Eyes alliance, which includes the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. These nations have been actively working on national AI policies to ensure ethical and responsible AI development. In September, the New Zealand government introduced its Action Plan for the Digital Strategy for Aotearoa, emphasizing the importance of a trustworthy and ethical data ecosystem. As part of this strategy, the government is exploring the feasibility of establishing a Centre for Data Ethics and AI. This initiative is expected to support key pillars of the digital strategy, including “Mahi Tika” (Trust), “Mahi Ake” (Growth), and “Mahi Tahi” (Inclusion), by fostering innovative business models and promoting equitable data practices.
New Zealand’s Vision for AI Leadership
The framework reinforces the government’s ambition to position New Zealand as a leader in global data governance. By emphasizing transparency, ethical AI deployment, and public trust, the country aims to become a reliable global partner in AI-enabled public services.
Ultimately, the framework serves as a strategic guide for integrating AI into the public sector while prioritizing citizen rights, accountability, and responsible governance. As AI continues to evolve, New Zealand’s proactive approach demonstrates its commitment to leveraging technological advancements in a manner that benefits all sectors of society.
