The New Zealand government has launched several major programmes to strengthen the technology sector and create more opportunities for innovation. The digital technologies sector has been growing at 10.4% annually since 2016, supported by targeted investments in infrastructure, skills development, and business support.
Digital Technologies Industry Transformation Plan
The government launched the Digital Technologies Industry Transformation Plan to accelerate growth across New Zealand’s tech sector. This plan brings together businesses, communities, and government agencies to work towards shared goals.
The ITP focuses on building local talent and closing skill gaps in the industry. It promotes STEM education and creates partnerships between schools, universities, and tech companies.
Budget 2023 allocated over $27 million to advance digital technology skills and talent activities under this plan. These initiatives help set up researchers to turn their ideas into real business opportunities.
The plan also emphasises cybersecurity and digital inclusion. It aims to make technology more affordable and improve digital literacy across all communities.
Investment in High-Value Jobs and Skills
Creating high-value jobs remains a priority for the technology sector’s growth. The government focuses on developing talent in areas that drive economic value for New Zealand.
The tech sector contributed $23.8 billion to GDP in 2024, representing 8% of the national economy. Despite this growth, the sector employed 119,520 people and experienced its first workforce contraction since the global financial crisis.
The government invested more than $2 billion in communications infrastructure through two major programmes. The Ultra-Fast Broadband and Rural Broadband Initiative programmes deliver faster internet access across urban and rural areas, enabling more people to work in tech roles from anywhere in the country.
Support for Māori and Diverse Communities in Tech
The government recognises that diversity strengthens innovation in the technology sector. Programmes target underrepresented groups to ensure everyone can participate in and benefit from tech growth.
Initiatives focus on improving access to digital skills training for Māori communities. These programmes help remove barriers to entry in technology careers and entrepreneurship.
Support includes funding for community-based digital literacy programmes. These efforts aim to close the digital divide and create pathways into tech careers for people from all backgrounds.
Funding and Incentives for Startups and Innovation
The government provides financial support to help technology startups grow and succeed. These incentives encourage entrepreneurs to develop new products and services in New Zealand.
Technology has become New Zealand’s third-largest export earner, generating $11.4 billion in goods and services sold offshore. Funding programmes help startups access capital during critical early stages of development.
Innovation support helps world-class researchers commercialise their discoveries. These initiatives connect scientists and entrepreneurs with the resources they need to bring new technologies to market.
New Zealand’s AI Strategy and Responsible Technology Policies
The government launched its first national AI strategy in July 2025, aiming to add $76 billion to GDP by 2038 through smart technology adoption. The Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment leads the AI strategy alongside frameworks for responsible use across both private and public sectors.
National AI Strategy and Public Sector AI Framework
New Zealand’s AI strategy focuses on adoption rather than development, reflecting the country’s strengths as smart technology users. The strategy supports the government’s Going for Growth ambitions by promoting advanced technologies like artificial intelligence across industries.
Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Shane Reti emphasises that New Zealand can tailor AI to solve unique challenges, from precision farming to healthcare diagnostics. The approach helps businesses deliver world-leading solutions suited to local needs.
The Public Service AI Framework guides responsible artificial intelligence use across government agencies. It sits within the national AI strategy to ensure consistent standards throughout the public sector.
OECD AI Principles and International Collaboration
New Zealand aligns its AI policy with international standards and best practices. The government works with global partners to share knowledge and develop responsible approaches to artificial intelligence adoption.
Ministers emphasise collaboration as key to building confidence in AI technologies. By following established frameworks and learning from other nations, New Zealand positions itself as a trusted player in the global tech landscape.
Responsible AI Guidance and Implementation
MBIE’s Responsible AI Guidance for Businesses provides practical, voluntary tools for companies adopting artificial intelligence. The guidance outlines good practices and actions that support successful AI implementation across industries.
The government aims to encourage investment by reducing uncertainty and removing unintended barriers in legislation. Clear guidance helps businesses innovate responsibly within New Zealand’s existing legal framework.
The responsible AI principles focus on transparency, fairness and accountability. Companies can use these guidelines to build trust with customers while exploring new technology opportunities.
AI Laws and Regulatory Approach
New Zealand takes a light-touch regulatory approach to artificial intelligence rather than creating new restrictive laws. The strategy creates an environment where businesses can adopt and innovate with confidence.
The government removes unwanted legislative barriers whilst providing clear guidance on responsible innovation. This balanced approach supports growth without stifling creativity or limiting technological progress.
Existing legal frameworks already cover many AI-related concerns. Ministers prefer adapting current laws and offering practical guidance over introducing heavy-handed regulations that could slow adoption.
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