New Zealand has been making significant strides in artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, with a strong focus on innovation, ethical governance, and international collaboration. Various initiatives, policies, and partnerships have been established to foster AI and data science research, development, and application, ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth..
The Principles for Safe and Effective Use of Data and Analytics, developed in 2018 by the Office of the New Zealand Privacy Commissioner and the Government Chief Data Steward, guide safe and effective data analytics. These principles support stronger, safer data use, benefiting firms of all sizes, investors, and civil society.
The Algorithm Charter for Aotearoa New Zealand, introduced in 2019 and overseen by Statistics New Zealand (Stats NZ), is another significant initiative. The charter commits government agencies to improving transparency and accountability in their use of algorithms over five years. Its primary objective is to enhance public confidence in governmental algorithmic decisions, addressing OECD AI principles such as accountability, R&D investment, and fostering a digital ecosystem. The charter benefits both the national government and civil society by ensuring trustworthy, human-centric AI.
The Data Ethics Advisory Group, started in 2019 and managed by Statistics New Zealand (Stats NZ), helps maximize the benefits of new and emerging data uses while managing risks. It provides advice on data ethics, addressing OECD AI principles like human-centered values and fostering a digital ecosystem, with the national government as the primary beneficiary and an annual budget of less than NZD 1M.
The Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA), initiated in 2020, involves New Zealand, Singapore, and Chile. Managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade New Zealand (MFAT), the Ministry of Trade & Industry Singapore (MTI), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Chile, DEPA establishes new rules for digital trade and promotes discussions on digital inclusion. DEPA’s commitments include cooperation, trade facilitation, consumer trust, data protection, and digital inclusion, addressing OECD AI principles like inclusive growth and human-centered values. The agreement benefits SMEs, governments, and civil society.
New Zealand is also a founding member of the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI), which began in 2021. Managed by Statistics New Zealand (Stats NZ), GPAI supports international cooperation for trustworthy AI, benefiting academic societies and the national government with an annual budget of less than NZD 1M.
In 2023, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) launched a cross-agency work programme on AI, set to run until 2025. This programme develops a comprehensive AI policy approach encompassing public sector governance, economic and social development, and national security. It aligns with OECD AI principles such as inclusive growth, human-centered values, transparency, and accountability, benefiting the national government with an annual budget of less than NZD 1M.
In 2023, the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) introduced the Government Chief Digital Officer (GCDO) leadership on AI. This initiative provides leadership on AI across the New Zealand public service, developing AI governance and usage structures. It promotes inclusive growth, human-centered values, transparency, and accountability, benefiting the national government with an annual budget of less than NZD 1M.
Statistics New Zealand (Stats NZ) also established the Interim Centre for Data Ethics and Innovation in 2023. This center supports government agencies in maximizing data use opportunities while managing risks, aligning with OECD AI principles such as inclusive growth, human-centered values, and fostering a digital ecosystem. The national government is the primary beneficiary..
In July 2023 , the country came up with- Interim Generative AI Guidelines for Public services. This guidance provides initial advice from the data, digital, privacy, procurement and security System Leaders about Public Service use of GenAI tools
New Zealand’s strategies on AI and data science demonstrate a strong commitment to leveraging technology for inclusive growth, innovation, and international cooperation. By fostering collaboration, promoting transparency, and ensuring ethical data use, New Zealand is well-positioned to navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by AI and data science in the coming years.