New Zealand has a proud history of adopting new technologies. But with artificial intelligence (AI) now growing at an exponential rate, the country needs a new approach to AI adoption.
On 8 July 2025, Dr Shane Reti, Science, Innovation and Technology Minister, launched New Zealand’s first AI Strategy with the aim of boosting productivity and using the automation and efficiency benefits of AI to grow a competitive NZ economy.
Let’s look at what this AI Strategy will include.
Reducing the barriers to AI adoption
Putting government backing behind the adoption of AI technologies is a significant move, giving the green light to a more software and technology driven future for New Zealand.
The Minister was quoted as saying:
“AI could add $76 billion to our GDP by 2038, but we’re falling behind other small, advanced economies on AI-readiness and many businesses are still not planning for the technology. We must develop stronger Kiwi AI capabilities to drive economic growth, and this Strategy sends a strong signal that New Zealand supports the uptake of AI.”
The new AI Strategy will:
- Reduce barriers to adoption, making it easier for businesses of all sizes to adopt new AI software and to benefit from the core efficiency advantages of AI .
- Provide clear regulatory guidance, so NZ businesses know and understand the rules around using AI and what’s required of them from a compliance perspective.
- Promote responsible AI adoption, so AI is used sensibly, without having a negative impact on human jobs and with customers aware when they’re interacting with AI software. Find out how AI could be helping your business
AI technologies move fast, so it’s vital to keep abreast of recent developments and to know more about the AI tools that could be helping your business.
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New Zealand’s Strategy for Artificial Intelligence and the Responsible AI Guidance for Businesses can be found on the MBIE website.