about TUANZ
About us and our objectives
The Technology Users Association of New Zealand (TUANZ) is the voice of technology users in Aotearoa New Zealand. Established as a not-for-profit organisation, TUANZ acts as the independent group representing the interests and needs of individuals, businesses, and organizations as they navigate the evolving technology landscape.
Our purpose is to ensure that all of New Zealand makes the most of the digitally connected world.
Our membership encompasses a diverse range of technology users, from small businesses and innovative startups to large enterprises and public sector entities. This broad network connects those who utilise technology to achieve their goals, fostering a community dedicated to understanding, adopting, and maximising the benefits of digital tools and services.
TUANZ plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between technology providers and end-users. We work collaboratively across sectors, engaging with government, industry, and the wider community to ensure that technology deployment and policy decisions are user-centric and contribute to a thriving digital ecosystem for all New Zealanders.
Our focus is on empowering technology users through education, advocacy, and the facilitation of meaningful connections. We strive to ensure that New Zealanders can confidently and effectively leverage technology to enhance productivity, innovation, and overall quality of life. We provide a platform for an informed and influential user voice, advocating for policies and practices that support positive technology outcomes for our members and the nation.
Our Vision
All businesses and individuals in Aotearoa have unrestricted access to the technology and services needed to thrive; no one misses out on the opportunities in technology; and digital engagement is safe and inclusive for all.
Our contribution
We will be a strong independent voice for all users of technology and help our members prepare to take advantage of this digital future.
Our Values
Independence
Inclusive
Trusted
Service
Our Pillars
Independent Voice: We will be the strong independent voice for users navigating the digital world.
more…
Access and Inclusion: We will advocate for all New Zealanders to have equal access to meaningful technology, digital services and connectivity.
Responsible Generative AI: We will work to encourage the uptake of responsible and inclusive use of AI in Aotearoa.
Transparent Data Use: We will be a champion for responsible data usage, particularly in the context of new digital technologies.
Trust and Safety: We will help keep New Zealanders safe by advocating for the right policy and programmes that focus on trust and safety.
Education to Employment: We will work with key industry stakeholders to advance mutual objectives in increasing digital capability.
Member Community: We will help our member community prepare to take advantage of the opportunities of the digital technology future.
more…
Access and Inclusion: We will work to ensure that the technology community represented by our membership is representative of the wider population in Aotearoa.
Responsible Generative AI: We will encourage member engagement through working groups to develop practical contributions to supporting the growth and use of Generative AI.
Transparent Data Use: We will encourage our members to implement robust processes to ensure they are best practice examples of responsible data usage.
Trust and Safety: We will help our member community keep their businesses and customers safe by providing practical advice and information relating to safety online and cyber security.
Education to Employment: We will support the development of the next generation of leaders who are involved in digitally enabled businesses.
Our Activity Plan for 2026
If you would like to read more about our plan for 2026, including more detail on our activities in the nest year, you can download the plan here.
40 years strong: Championing a Brighter Digital Future for every New Zealander
Over the past 40 years, TUANZ has lobbied and agitated to achieve positive change on behalf of technology and communications users. Early on, we were something of a voice in the wilderness, but over time our messages became accepted as mainstream. Regulation and policy that TUANZ has campaigned for and supported have played a big part in the introduction of internationally-orthodox regulation and policy which has paved the way for the more open and competitive environment we now see.
Because of TUANZ’s achievements, telecommunications in New Zealand is now truly competitive. No longer can service providers exploit market dominance. This means prices have come down significantly and service has improved as customers now have far more choice of services. We focus on outcomes, and we achieve them.
