New Zealand voters want AI rules, but government relies on voluntary guidelines
Eight in ten New Zealanders want AI rules. Yet the government's 2025 strategy uses voluntary guidelines instead.
New Zealand is taking a hands-off approach to AI rules that differs from what the public wants. The government's 2025 AI strategy encourages AI adoption while relying on existing laws.
The strategy uses voluntary guidelines that organisations can choose to follow. Surveys show eight in ten New Zealanders believe AI rules are needed.
Only 5% are sure the government will use AI responsibly. Government agencies use automated systems that could unfairly deny benefits or services to Māori and people with disabilities.
The Law Commission is now developing oversight systems, but New Zealand is behind other countries. Canada required agencies to check these systems nearly seven years ago.
The government also faces pressure to control how AI profits flow overseas and protect New Zealand data sovereignty.
- 8 in 10 New Zealanders
- Public support for AI rules
- only 5% confident
- Trust in government AI use
- nearly 7 years ago
- Canada's oversight timeline
Why it mattersWithout stronger guardrails, automated systems in welfare and healthcare could unfairly deny benefits or services to vulnerable groups. Critical personal data could remain under foreign corporate control.
Open this story in InSnip →
