Tech Users NZ calls for long-term digital strategy
Fri, 19th Jun 2026 (Today)
Tech Users NZ has called for a cross-party national technology strategy for New Zealand, arguing that a long-term approach is needed to support the country's digital development.
The call coincides with the release of the first in a series of 2026 position papers under the banner Unlocking Aotearoa's Digital Potential. The papers set out policy proposals aimed at improving New Zealand's standing among digital economies and creating a framework that lasts beyond electoral terms.
Craig Young, chief executive officer of Tech Users NZ, said New Zealand already has the basic ingredients to perform more strongly in the digital sector. He pointed to existing connectivity and the energy system as evidence that the foundations are in place, but argued that policy remains too short term.
"Technology can make New Zealand a better place - growing our economy, strengthening our communities and improving everyday life," Young said.
He said the central problem was not a lack of talent or infrastructure, but a lack of long-term consistency in national planning. Technology investment does not fit neatly within election cycles, he argued, making policy stability important for businesses, public bodies and users.
"We have strong foundations, from world-class connectivity to a more renewable energy system. But to translate this into global leadership requires a more coordinated and long-term approach," Young said.
The association's policy programme focuses on five areas it considers central to the country's digital direction: education and employment, trust and safety, transparent data use, responsible generative artificial intelligence, and access and inclusion.
Each reflects a different part of New Zealand's digital economy debate. Skills policy addresses the supply of workers for digital roles, while trust and safety and data use relate to public confidence in how digital systems are governed. The inclusion of generative artificial intelligence points to growing policy attention on tools spreading across workplaces and consumer services. Access and inclusion keep the focus on connectivity gaps and unequal digital participation.
Policy focus
Tech Users NZ said its members want greater certainty from political leaders. The group framed its intervention as a call for parties to agree on a direction that can survive changes of government, rather than resetting policy every three years.
"Investment in technology and digital transformation doesn't operate on three-year political cycles, and neither should our national approach. Without long-term certainty, we risk underinvesting and falling behind," Young said.
New Zealand's digital policy debate has often centred on lifting productivity, expanding technology adoption and making public services more effective. Industry groups have also argued that uneven access to skills, devices and reliable connectivity can limit the benefits of digital change, especially for regional communities and lower-income households.
By setting out separate papers on workforce development, online safety, data governance, artificial intelligence and inclusion, the association is placing technology policy in a broader economic and social context. That suggests the discussion extends beyond the technology sector to education, labour markets, public trust and social participation.
Tech Users NZ describes itself as an independent voice for technology users, representing individuals, businesses and organisations. Its role has focused on advocacy and education on issues affecting how technology is adopted and used across the country.
Cross-party call
The latest intervention comes as governments in many markets face pressure to define positions on artificial intelligence, digital trust, cybersecurity and digital skills. In that environment, business groups and user advocates have increasingly pushed for policy continuity, arguing that infrastructure planning, education reform and digital transformation programmes need a longer horizon than a single parliamentary term.
Young said the organisation's members wanted a clearer commitment from across the political spectrum. "Our members are clear: what's needed now is certainty, coordination, and commitment," he said.
He added: "We are calling on political leaders to work across party lines to deliver a long-term digital strategy that matches the scale of the opportunity."