On 29 January 2025, the Government released a new framework to support public sector agencies in their use of artificial intelligence (Framework). Although the Framework is non-binding, agencies are encouraged to refer to it when developing and deploying AI within their organisations.
Broader AI guidance
The Framework forms part of the Government's broader efforts to harness the potential for AI in delivering public services, while mitigating the potential risks. The Framework sits within the National AI Strategy which is currently in development, and is aligned to Cabinet's commitment to enabling safe AI innovation within the public sector. It also builds on the Government's interim guidance on generative AI for the public sector, which was released in September 2023.
Principles of the Framework
The vision for the Framework is to "adopt AI responsibly to modernise public services and deliver better outcomes for all New Zealanders". Its intended outcome is for the public sector to model best practice in AI use, contributing to the community and economy and supporting New Zealand's position as a trusted global partner.
The Framework is guided by six AI principles:
- inclusive, sustainable development - including driving innovation, efficiency and resilience
- human-centred values - including privacy and data ethics, labour rights and human oversight
- transparency and explainability – to promote awareness and understanding of AI systems, and explainable outcomes
- safety and security – including safety by design, data protection, traceable data, and robust risk management
- accountability - including governance, regulatory frameworks, and auditing with human oversight.
These principles are based on the OECD's AI principles, which Cabinet had previously committed to adopting in June 2024 to bring New Zealand's approach in-line with other OECD member states.
Framework Pillars
The Government Chief Digital Officer (GCDO) is leading a Public Service AI work programme to support the implementation of the Framework's vision. The Framework for this work programme incorporates six pillars:
- Governance - ensuring human accountability for inclusive implementation of data and AI use
- Guardrails - supporting the safe and trustworthy use of AI and its underpinning data
- Capability - building internal and external AI capability and safety by design
- Innovation - developing pathways for safe AI innovation for government agencies
- Social licence - understanding how to build public trust and worker engagement in government use of AI
- Global voice - building New Zealand's global reputation as a trusted partner and Public Service AI enabler
Next Steps
It is expected that the Government will release updated guidance on public sector use of generative AI in the near feature and the GCDO will progress with developing the Public Service AI work programme. Russell McVeagh will continue to monitor AI developments in this space.