The Digital Strategy for Aotearoa

The Digital Strategy for Aotearoa is a comprehensive policy framework designed to guide New Zealand’s digital transformation. Developed through a collaborative effort among various government agencies, including the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Stats NZ, and the Department of Internal Affairs, the strategy outlines a vision for how digital technologies can drive economic prosperity, enhance social inclusion, and ensure trust in digital systems. The policy responds to rapid technological advancements, addressing both the opportunities and challenges they bring. It also places a strong emphasis on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, ensuring that Māori perspectives and aspirations are embedded in the country’s digital future.

The strategy envisions a thriving digital economy by 2032, where technology enables people, businesses, and communities to flourish. It is structured around three core themes, which guide its goals, implementation, and evaluation. These themes focus on trust, inclusion, and growth, reflecting the broader aim of fostering a secure, accessible, and innovative digital ecosystem.

New Zealand’s approach to digital transformation is shaped by a recognition of both opportunities and risks. Digital technologies can increase economic productivity, create high-value jobs, and make government services more efficient. However, they also bring challenges such as cybersecurity threats, digital exclusion, and ethical concerns related to data use. The policy seeks to address these issues through regulatory measures, public-private partnerships, and targeted investments.

Goals

• Mahi tika – trust: Ensure that digital environments are safe, organisations use digital technologies and data ethically, and infrastructures are secure.
• Mahi tahi – inclusion: Provide all New Zealanders with the skills, tools, and connectivity needed to participate in an increasingly digital society.
• Mahi ake – growth: Support businesses and organisations in adopting digital technologies, fostering innovation, and building a competitive technology sector.

Key strategic themes and their implementation

The Digital Strategy for Aotearoa is structured around three key strategic themes. Each theme represents a fundamental pillar of New Zealand’s digital transformation, shaping the policies and initiatives that will drive progress over the next decade.

• Mahi tika – trust
  • The objective of this theme is to ensure that digital technologies and data systems are secure, ethical, and culturally appropriate. Trust in digital services is fundamental to participation in the digital economy, and the strategy emphasises the need for robust cybersecurity measures, transparent data governance, and ethical AI.
  • Key initiatives include the Digital Identity Services Trust Framework, which establishes standards for secure online identity verification, and the Algorithm Charter for Aotearoa, which promotes fairness and accountability in algorithmic decision-making. The New Zealand Cyber Security Strategy enhances national security by strengthening the country’s resilience against cyber threats.
• Mahi tahi – inclusion
  • This theme focuses on ensuring that digital transformation benefits all New Zealanders. Digital inclusion is critical for social equity, as access to the internet and digital tools influences employment opportunities, education, and social participation. The policy aims to bridge the digital divide by addressing affordability, digital literacy, and accessibility.
  • The Marae Digital Capability Program is a key initiative that provides broadband connectivity and digital tools to Māori communities, recognising the role of digital access in cultural preservation and economic development. The Digital Inclusion Action Plan introduces targeted interventions to improve digital literacy, while the 5G Expansion Program enhances connectivity in rural and remote areas.
• Mahi ake – growth
  • The digital economy is a significant driver of productivity and innovation. This theme supports businesses and organisations in adopting digital technologies, developing a skilled workforce, and leveraging global digital trade opportunities.
  • The Digital Technologies Industry Transformation Plan is a public-private partnership aimed at expanding New Zealand’s tech sector, increasing digital exports, and fostering entrepreneurship. The Digital Boost Program provides small businesses with digital training and tools to enhance their competitiveness. The Māori in Tech Initiative promotes indigenous participation in the technology sector, ensuring that economic growth is inclusive and aligned with Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Implementation and oversight

The success of the Digital Strategy for Aotearoa depends on adaptive implementation, strong governance, and continuous evaluation. The Digital Executive Board, composed of government leaders from multiple agencies, oversees the strategy’s progress. Regular assessments ensure that key initiatives remain aligned with evolving technological and economic trends.

A data-driven approach is central to tracking the impact of the strategy. Metrics such as the rate of digital adoption in businesses, the affordability of internet services, and the cybersecurity resilience of critical infrastructure will be monitored. The strategy also encourages international collaboration, particularly in areas like cybersecurity, data governance, and digital trade agreements.