The Government has released a Digital Strategy for Aotearoa (Strategy), which is described as a digital roadmap to help secure New Zealand's place as a world-leading, trusted, thriving digital nation.
An Action Plan has also been released alongside the Strategy which outlines the government-led initiatives planned for New Zealand in the next five years to promote and support the development and use of digital solutions in New Zealand.
The Strategy is framed around three themes – Mahi Tika (Trust), Mahi Tahi (Inclusion) and Maki Ake (Growth) and each theme is supported by goals and measures. The vision underpinning the Strategy is that New Zealand’s people, communities, economy, and environment are flourishing and prosperous in the digital era.
Key flagship initiatives
The Action Plan sets out 11 flagship initiatives, which include:
- Digital Identity Services Trust Framework: A Digital Services Trust Framework Bill was introduced into Parliament in September 2021 and is currently progressing through legislative stages. The core objective of the Bill is to help develop digital identity services that are trusted and people-centric, and the Action Plan contemplates that it will be passed in 2022. You can read our insights on the Bill here.
- New Zealand’s Cyber Security Strategy: New Zealand's Cyber Security Strategy (CS Strategy) was launched in 2019 to enable New Zealand to have a safe experience online. The CS Strategy is a key initiative under the Strategy to build national resilience to, and awareness of, cybercrimes.
- Digital Technologies Industry Transformation Plan: The Digital Technologies Industry Transformation Plan (ITP) sets out initiatives to accelerate further growth in New Zealand's digital technology sector, including advancing support to New Zealand's software-as-a-service (SaaS) ecosystem and addressing New Zealand's digital skills gap.
- Accelerating Māori Innovation: This initiative seeks to work across a range of activity in the Māori digital economy and increase the participation of Māori in the digital sector as business owners, entrepreneurs and employees.
- Māori Data Governance: This initiative aims to develop and implement guidance about a data governance approach that reflects iwi and Māori interests. The aim is to design a data governance model that can be adopted and implemented across key data agencies.
Other activities
In addition to the 11 flagship initiatives, the Government has selected other activities to be included as part of the Strategy, including accelerating the government's use of cloud computing; harnessing digital technologies for health system transformation; and the 5G rollout programme.
What's next
The Government will take an iterative approach to implementing the Strategy. The Russell McVeagh team will be monitoring the developments and will provide updates as when key initiatives of interest are implemented.
The full text of the Strategy and Action Plan can be accessed here.
This article is intended only to provide a summary of the subject covered. It does not purport to be comprehensive or to provide legal advice. No person should act in reliance on any statement contained in this publication without first obtaining specific professional advice. If you require any advice or further information on the subject matter of this newsletter, please contact the partner/solicitor in the firm who normally advises you, or alternatively contact one of the partners listed below.