Conclusion
New Zealand stands at a pivotal moment in the global AI revolution. The evidence is becoming clear: countries that embrace AI proactively will enjoy significant competitive advantages while those that hesitate risk being left behind.
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This strategy positions New Zealand to capture the extraordinary opportunities that AI presents while managing risks responsibly and maintaining our commitment to human-centred values.
The Government’s comprehensive support for AI adoption is more than a policy preference – it is an economic necessity. The cost of inaction may exceed the investment required for effective AI adoption. Our approach, which focuses on practical uptake rather than foundational model development, leverages New Zealand’s strengths while acknowledging where economies of scale may give larger countries an advantage in specialisation.
In this document, we have identified the barriers that are preventing AI adoption in the private sector and have committed to reduce or remove those barriers where the government has influence. Our goal is to remove barriers to AI adoption wherever possible. Ultimately, however, it is up to businesses, not government, to see the opportunity that AI presents for them and to invest accordingly.
Our goal is an environment where businesses can invest in AI with confidence. Our adoption of OECD AI Principles provides the ethical framework for responsible development that aligns with other OECD countries. Our commitment to update legislation and regulatory tools where new risks and unintended interactions with AI arise will ensure New Zealand law keeps pace with rapid technological advancements.
The Government aims to lead by example by using AI to improve public services whilst demonstrating responsible governance practices that the private sector can emulate. Our investment in education, research, and international partnerships provide the foundation for AI adoption in coming decades.
This strategy is the beginning not the end of New Zealand’s AI journey. Success requires government, businesses, academia and civil society to work together. We encourage all stakeholders to engage actively with this AI strategy, get involved in AI events and build and contribute expertise and to identify opportunities. This will help foster the innovation and dissemination of new ideas that will put New Zealand at the forefront of this exciting new technology.
To businesses considering AI adoption: the Government stands ready to support your journey through guidance and stable policy settings that reward innovation. To international investors: New Zealand offers a sophisticated market, skilled workforce, and governance framework that makes it an ideal location for AI deployment and development. To our research community: your work on AI applications, ethics, and governance contributes directly to national prosperity and global knowledge.
The future is AI-powered. New Zealand is ready to lead in showing how a small advanced economy can harness transformative technologies for the benefit of all citizens.
Together, we will build an AI ecosystem that reflects New Zealand’s values, leverages our unique advantages, and delivers prosperity for generations to come.
Our commitment is clear: New Zealand will be a confident, capable, and responsible player in the global AI economy.