New Zealand has launched its first-ever national Artificial Intelligence strategy, marking a long-awaited step to embrace AI adoption across its economy. The move ends New Zealand’s status as the only OECD nation without a formal AI roadmap, years after peers like Singapore introduced similar frameworks.

Announcing the strategy, Hon. Dr. Shane Reti said the plan aims to position New Zealand as a welcoming hub for AI adoption and testing rather than competing in the high-cost race to develop foundational models like those from Google or OpenAI.

The government emphasized it will maintain a “light-touch, principles-based” regulatory approach, relying on existing laws such as privacy and consumer protection to avoid stifling innovation.

Co-released with the strategy was Responsible AI Guidance for Businesses, outlining how organizations can adopt AI safely and ethically. It encourages companies to clarify their purpose for AI use, test solutions in controlled environments, ensure high-quality data, and build governance structures to manage risks.

While the strategy highlights strengths such as New Zealand’s agility, stable regulatory environment, and new investment channels through Invest New Zealand, it also acknowledges challenges — most notably a skills gap in AI expertise. Universities are expanding STEM and AI-focused programs, but no dedicated new funding has been announced.

Critics have noted the strategy lacks detailed timelines, measurable milestones, or concrete plans to attract global talent and capital, contrasting with Singapore’s more ambitious AI 2.0 roadmap.

For now, the government has given the green light for private businesses to adopt AI to boost productivity while exploring AI use in the public sector to lead by example. A more detailed “version 2.0” is expected to outline how New Zealand will entice investment and strengthen its AI ecosystem.