According to the One NZ AI Trust Report(external link), 77% of New Zealanders are already engaging with AI. As a country, we're positioned to lead by example, asking the right questions, applying our values, innovative thinking and demonstrating what responsible AI development looks like.
The benefits of AI systems are clear: enabling better healthcare, streamlining operations, accelerating our science sector, and more. To harness the opportunity, it's time to move beyond asking ‘what can AI do for us?’ to: ‘what should AI do for us, and who gets to decide?’
The case for New Zealand-led AI development
The Public Service AI Framework(external link) provides a foundation for responsible AI adoption that ‘delivers better outcomes for all New Zealanders.’ This aligns with our own AI principles at Catalyst. Yet, I’ve seen how the default option for many individuals, organisations and public sector services is to adopt overseas systems without question and little consideration of risks and opportunities.
When these international systems determine Kiwi credit scores, job applications, and welfare eligibility, we need to be mindful that we're not just importing technology but worldviews about how our society should function. These systems can carry embedded assumptions about privacy, authority, and social relationships that may fundamentally conflict with our values, our kaupapa and our ability to determine our own destinies.
The One NZ research reveals what's at stake: 62% of us would stop using companies over AI concerns, including data misuse (67%) and unfair decision-making (62%). Recently, we witnessed how data access and policy updates in America meant changes in who could view, use, or control data in ways users hadn't agreed to. Global threats to our lives are real and personal.
The question is whether we'll prioritise solutions serving New Zealand's needs or remain content importing systems designed for other markets, regulated by other countries, ultimately for their economic benefit.
Our opportunity and responsibility
I believe New Zealand can lead by example. Our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, emphasis on equity and inclusion, and global reputation as a trusted partner, complemented by world-renowned Kiwi ingenuity, creates opportunities to demonstrate responsible AI in practice.
This requires moving beyond consultation to genuine partnership. True collaboration with Māori and iwi means inviting all people into the design process from the very beginning, supporting Māori digital sovereignty and ensuring that AI systems uphold tino rangatiratanga. In doing so, better outcomes are created not only for Māori but for all New Zealanders.
When communities shift from being subjects of AI systems to becoming co-designers, real innovation happens. It is here that trust is earned and technology becomes a tool for empowerment rather than exclusion.
AI is being shaped by us
Whether we're conscious of it or not, AI is being shaped by us. By investing in AI literacy across our communities, we can ensure that New Zealand's AI future reflects values of fairness, transparency, partnership, and respect for human dignity.
Building AI literacy that empowers people is essential. This means helping people understand what AI is, recognising key considerations like bias in model responses, and asking informed questions about the systems they encounter. When people understand how AI affects their lives, they can advocate for fair systems and hold organisations accountable.
We need educators equipped to teach AI ethics alongside application, community leaders who can advocate for responsible AI use in their sectors, and technology leaders confident in what New Zealand technologists have to offer.
The systems we build now will define the future our children inherit, and I believe we still have time to make that future one we're proud of.
The choice is ours
AI poses many questions that don't resolve neatly. It requires ongoing thought, dialogue and humility. My hope is that we start thinking less about what AI can do, and more about what it should do, designing and developing with care, clarity, and courage.
We’re a country known for our capability and Number 8 wire thinking to create solutions that serve our needs across every sector, from government to agriculture to finance and beyond. It’s up to each of us to start asking questions, engage, learn and shape how AI develops in Aotearoa to ensure better outcomes for all New Zealanders.
Catalyst has recently launched the AI Discovery Lab—a free interactive experiment that gives students, teachers, and policymakers the chance to engage directly with how large language models work. The Discovery Lab reflects Catalyst's own AI principles, including human-centred, transparency, sovereignty, and sustainability.
Learn more about Catalyst's AI Principles(external link)
If you have media questions about Catalyst IT, our approach to sovereign solutions and AI systems, contact our team: [email protected]
