The New Zealand Tech Alliance is a group of independent technology associations from across New Zealand that work together to ensure a strong voice for technology.
Visit Tech Alliance
NZTech Inform: Aotearoa’s first AI strategy
Kia ora,
Last week marked a significant milestone for New Zealand’s technology sector: Hon Shane Reti launched the nation’s first AI Strategy. For the first time, we have a clear signal that our Government recognises artificial intelligence (AI) as a powerful lever to boost productivity and strengthen New Zealand’s competitive edge.
The announcement is the result of years of dedicated advocacy and collaboration led by the AI Forum NZ, Madeline Newman, past executive directors, and many committed partners across the sector. It’s taken real perseverance and partnership to bring this strategy to life, especially in today’s challenging economic climate.
The result is a plan focused on enabling widespread adoption rather than direct investment. What matters now is how we use AI, safely and responsibly, to unlock productivity gains across almost every part of our economy. Now the big question is: how will we use AI to deliver real impact and how will the Government lead by example in putting this vision into action?.
Why does this matter for our community?
- AI could contribute $76 billion to New Zealand’s GDP by 2038, but only if we accelerate adoption, together.
- The Strategy offers businesses confidence with a ‘light-touch, enabling’ regulatory approach, encouraging innovation while keeping trust and safety at the forefront..
- New Responsible AI Guidance for Businesses sits alongside the Strategy, helping organisations embed ethical best practice from day one.
With these foundations in place, everyone has a role to play:
- CEOs and boards: Put AI on your strategic agenda this quarter.
- Tech leaders: Build AI capability within your teams and networks.
- Policymakers and industry bodies: Keep the conversation open and evidence-based as technology evolves.
As with any new policy, the strategy has sparked a range of feedback. People have raised questions about the use of AI in writing the document, voiced concerns about ensuring equitable benefits for all, including Pacific communities, and highlighted positive recognition of Māori leadership and data sovereignty. There will always be diverse perspectives, but it’s clear: having a first strategy is better than having none at all.
AI strategy can’t stand still. Alongside our partners, we will continue to work with Government and industry to ensure this framework adapts to change. We’ll also help bold ambitions turn into real growth and jobs for New Zealanders. We welcome your thoughts and insights on what comes next. View New Zealand’s strategy for AI: Investing with confidence here and the guidance for responsible AI use for businesses. Together, we can ensure AI delivers inclusive, sustainable prosperity for all New Zealanders.
🌟 Supercharge your R&D with Callaghan Innovation Grants 🌟
Looking to boost your R&D while bringing fresh talent into your team? Callaghan Innovation’s R&D Experience and Career Grants are now open for applications! These grants offer a win-win: your business receives funding for salary costs, graduates and students gain valuable industry experience, and your R&D projects benefit from new perspectives and skills.
- R&D Career Grant: Funds a graduate for six months. Find out more here.
- R&D Experience Grant: Funds a full-time tertiary student intern for 400 hours over summer. Find out more here.
Apply now to secure funding and accelerate your innovation journey.
⚠️ FINAL WEEKS: we still need your input on digital skills!
We still need your input to shape the future of NZ’s digital tech workforce. The Toi Mai Digital Skills Survey 2025 is collecting crucial data to inform government policy and investment in our future digital workforce. We encourage a senior leader within your organisation (someone with insight into your current and future workforce needs) to complete the survey before 31 July 2025.
Remember to register for our AGM on 14 August. Together, we strengthen our collective voice, stay informed and shape the direction of NZTech for the year ahead.
Let’s keep making an impact together.
Ngā mihi nui,
Graeme Muller
CEO
NZTech
Read full news here: Aotearoa’s first AI strategy
