Current position
New Zealand does not currently have a standalone, comprehensive law specifically regulating artificial intelligence.
Instead, AI-related activities are governed through existing legal frameworks, sector-specific regulation, and government policy guidance.
For example, the collection and use of personal data in AI systems are primarily regulated under the Privacy Act 2020, which establishes obligations for agencies handling personal information.
Risks related to discriminatory or unfair automated decision-making may also fall within the scope of the Human Rights Act 1993.
Consumer protection issues arising from AI-enabled products or services may be addressed under statutes such as the Fair Trading Act 1986, which prohibits misleading or deceptive conduct.
In addition, the government has issued policy guidance such as the Algorithm Charter for Aotearoa New Zealand, which promotes transparency and accountability in the use of algorithms by public sector agencies.
Together, these legal frameworks and policy initiatives form the current approach to AI governance in New Zealand.