AI Regulation in New Zealand

New Zealand has no AI-specific law and does not plan one for now. Its first AI Strategy, released on 8 July 2025, takes a light-touch, principles-based approach that relies on existing law and international alignment, including the OECD AI Principles.

Alongside the strategy, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) published voluntary Responsible AI Guidance for Businesses. It helps businesses of all sizes, including sole traders and non-profits, use and develop AI in a trustworthy way.

For organisations operating in New Zealand, existing law sets the enforceable duties. The Privacy Act 2020 applies to AI that processes personal information, and consumer and fair trading law applies to how AI products are marketed and used.

Key themes

1.Light-touch AI Strategy (July 2025) relying on existing law
2.Voluntary MBIE Responsible AI Guidance for Businesses
3.Privacy Act 2020 as the main enforceable baseline
4.Alignment with the OECD AI Principles

Regulatory frameworks and guidance(1)

Guideline

New Zealand Responsible AI Guidance for Business

New Zealand's MBIE released voluntary Responsible AI Guidance for Businesses on 8 July 2025, alongside the country's first AI Strategy. It helps businesses, including sole traders and non-profits, use and develop AI in a trustworthy way under existing New Zealand law.

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