Strengthening trust through transparency: TUANZ calls for a shift to “active agency” in data use.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
7 July 2026
The Tech Users Association of New Zealand (TUANZ) is calling for a step-change in how organisations manage and use data, urging a move from passive consent models to a more transparent,
As part of its 2026 policy programme, TUANZ today released its Transparent Data Use position paper statement. The paper recognises the strong foundations New Zealand has established, while making a clear case for the next phase: enabling individuals to actively understand and control how their data is used.
“New Zealand has taken important steps to strengthen digital trust,” says Paul Littlefair, Chair of TUANZ. “Recent updates to the Privacy Act and the introduction of the Consumer Data Right are improving transparency and giving people more control. But as data use accelerates, particularly with the growth of AI, expectations are rising just as quickly.”
Recent insights point to both opportunity and risk:
- Most New Zealanders are now knowingly engaging with AI-enabled services
- Strong data privacy expectations remain high
- Trust is increasingly a deciding factor in whether people engage with organisations and new technologies
TUANZ’s view is that trust cannot rely on long, complex privacy policies or one-off consent. Instead, organisations need to adopt a model of active and informed agency, where people clearly understand how their data is used, and can make meaningful choices in real time.
“Organisations must move from viewing themselves as owners of data, to acting as kaitiaki, trusted stewards.” Littlefair says. “That means no surprises, clear communication and putting people in control.”
Shifting from compliance to confidence
To support a more transparent and trusted data environment, TUANZ is calling for four priority actions:
- Mandate “Algorithmic Clarity” for High-Stakes Decisions: The Government and industry must adopt a standard for Explainable AI. If an algorithm makes a decision impacting a citizen’s life, such as credit or insurance, the organisation must provide a clear, non-technical explanation of the logic used, eliminating “black box” systems.
- Adopt Standardised “Data Nutrition Labels”: To combat confusing “wall of text” privacy policies, New Zealand should develop visual, standardised labels that allow consumers to compare data practices at a glance. This includes notices presented exactly when the data is requested.
- Enable True Individual Control (Self-Sovereignty): Expand the Consumer Data Right beyond the banking and electricity sectors so users can safely share their data with third parties to get better deals. Furthermore, universal “Opt-Out” signals must be introduced to allow users to easily withdraw consent across platforms.
- Uphold Māori Data Sovereignty: Ensure our data landscape honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi by implementing Ngā Tikanga Paihere (guidelines for ethical data use). Data use must respect the mana and dignity of individuals, and Māori data must be subject to Māori governance.
Enabling a high-trust, high-growth digital economy
TUANZ emphasises that transparent data use is not simply a compliance issue, its a key enabler of innovation, productivity and international competitiveness.
“Trust is a critical driver of digital adoption,” says Littlefair. “When people understand and feel confident in how their data is used, they are far more likely to engage, share and adopt new technologies. That creates the conditions for innovation and growth.”
ENDS
Media Contact: Michelle Park for Paul Littlefair, Chair, TUANZ
Notes to the Editor: This release forms part of TUANZ’s policy rollout, focused on strengthening trust, transparency and participation in New Zealand’s digital economy. The Transparent Data Use position paper is the fourth in a series of weekly releases covering key digital priorities for Aotearoa.
