Unlocking Aotearoa’s AI opportunity: TUANZ calls for trust, transparency and human oversight 

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
14 July 2026

The Tech Users Association of New Zealand (TUANZ) is urging a focused approach to the responsible use of generative AI, highlighting trust, transparency and human oversight as critical to unlocking its full value. With AI projected to contribute up to $76 billion to New Zealand’s economy  by 2038, TUANZ says realising this opportunity will depend on building and maintaining public trust. , 

As part of its 2026 policy programme, TUANZ today released its Responsible Generative AI position paper. The paper recognises strong early adoption across Aotearoa, while making it clear that sustained progress will rely on how effectively risks are managed and confidence is built. 

“AI presents a significant opportunity for New Zealand to lift productivity and strengthen our global competitiveness,” says Paul Littlefair, Chair of TUANZ. “Adoption is already underway, but trust will determine how far and how fast we can go.” 

While many New Zealanders are engaging with AI-enabled services, confidence remains uneven. Concerns around fairness, transparency and data use continue to shape willingness to adopt, and small businesses risk being left behind, with many yet to move from awareness to practical implementation. 

TUANZ’s position is that New Zealand’s competitive edge lies not just in adopting AI, but in becoming a trusted and responsible user of it. 

“We have an opportunity to lead not through scale, but through trust,” Littlefair says. “That means ensuring AI systems are transparent, accountable, and designed around people.” 

From principles to practical safeguards 

To support responsible adoption and build confidence in AI, TUANZ is calling for four priority areas:

  • Invest in our own AI capabilities: While supporting global tech investment, the Government must be brave and invest in New Zealand’s own AI capabilities, including providing state-backed AI services to ensure our domestic research sector remains globally competitive.
  • Mandate “Algorithmic Explainability” for High-Stakes Uses: Transition from soft law principles to targeted regulatory interventions. Organisations using AI for life-impacting decisions, such as banking or health, must provide clear, non-technical explanations of the logic used, ensuring no decision is hidden inside a “black box”.
  • Establish a National “Human-in-the-Loop” Standard: With 74% of Kiwis feeling more comfortable with AI when they know a human can step in, industry standards must guarantee seamless escalation pathways to human support. This ensures human oversight is always available to correct biased outputs or AI “hallucinations”.
  • Launch an “AI Readiness” Resource Hub for SMEs: To bridge the adoption gap, TUANZ offers to work collaboratively with the Government and other AI related groups to compile a practical toolset and webinar series specifically for SMEs, helping them move from hesitation to responsible implementation.

Building trust to unlock growth

TUANZ emphasises that responsible AI is not simply about managing risk, it is a key enabler of economic participation, innovation and long-term growth.

“Trust is fundamental to the success of AI,” says Littlefair. “When people and businesses feel confident in how these systems operate, they are more likely to adopt them, invest in them, and realise their full value.” 
“Getting this right positions New Zealand to capture the benefits of AI in a way that is inclusive, credible and aligned with our values.”

Responsible Generative AI Position Paper

ENDS

Media Contact: Michelle Park on behalf of Paul Littlefair, Chair, TUANZ

Notes to the Editor: This media release marks Week 5 of the TUANZ Policy Release Plan, focusing on the AI opportunity versus the trust gap. Over the final week of the rollout, TUANZ will release its concluding position paper covering Access and Inclusion for all of Aotearoa.