Record STMT-WE92195Voluntary

Public Service AI Framework

Framework Institutional policyOceania · NZin force

The Public Service AI Framework supports the responsible and safe use of Artificial Intelligence technologies across the New Zealand Public Service. It sets out a vision, five core values-based principles adapted from the OECD, and six pillars for the Government Chief Digital Officer's AI work programme. While non-binding, the framework encourages public service agencies to align their AI adoption with existing legal, ethical, and privacy standards.

Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.

Who issued it

Government Chief Digital OfficeGovernment (executive) · NZ

Lead issuer

Legal forceVoluntary

Under whose authorityInstitutional policy

Judged fromfull text

Who it governs

Public sector bodiesAI developers and providersAI deployers and usersResearchers and academics

Public service leaders, decision-makers, practitioners, and influencers involved in designing, deploying, or governing AI within New Zealand government agencies.

Sectors

Public administration · New Zealand Public Service

What the document contains

What's covered

The document covers the vision, principles, scope, and strategic work programme for deploying artificial intelligence within the New Zealand Public Service. It outlines expectations for human oversight, transparency, data traceability, and alignment with existing legislative guardrails.

What's missing

The framework is non-binding and lacks direct enforcement mechanisms, standalone regulatory penalties, or technical compliance checklists for specific software implementations.

Key takeaways

The framework provides non-binding guidance for New Zealand Public Service agencies on implementing AI safely and responsibly.
It establishes five core principles: inclusive sustainable development, human-centred values, transparency and explainability, safety and security, and accountability.
The Government Chief Digital Officer's work programme is organized around six pillars: governance, guardrails, capability, innovation, social licence, and global voice.
Agencies are expected to operate within existing New Zealand legislation, such as the Privacy Act 2020 and the Public Service Act 2020.
The framework adopts the OECD definition of an AI system.

Principles it states

Inclusive, sustainable developmentHuman-centred valuesTransparency and explainabilitySafety and securityAccountability

Outline

· Overview of the Public Service AI Framework
· Intended outcome of the Framework
· Why do we need a Framework?
· Scope and audience of the Framework
· What kinds of AI does the Framework apply to?
· Vision of the Framework
· The 5 principles of the Framework
· New Zealand policy context
· GCDO Public Service AI Work Programme
· Applying the Framework
· Contact us

Issued29 January 2025

Length1,919 words

FormatNot recorded

Scopenational

How it scores

Pending review

Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.

Accountability

4/5

Clear responsibility for AI outcomes

AI use within the Public Service should be subject to oversight by accountable humans with appropriate authority and capability at every stage.

Accountability

screening score · 2026-10-24

Fairness

4/5

Non-discrimination and equitable treatment

Public Service AI systems should contribute to inclusive growth and sustainable development through a focus on innovation, efficiency and resilience, and on reducing economic, social, gender and other inequalities

Inclusive, sustainable development

screening score · 2026-10-24

Human Dignity

4/5

Respect for the inherent worth of persons

These rights and laws include personal data protection and privacy, dignity, non discrimination and equality, self determination and autonomy.

Human-centred values

screening score · 2026-10-24

Human Oversight

4/5

Humans remain in control of consequential decisions

Agencies need to provide human oversight throughout the AI lifecycle to ensure ethical and appropriate use.

Human-centred values

screening score · 2026-10-24

Privacy

4/5

Protection of personal data and private life

These rights and laws include personal data protection and privacy, dignity, non discrimination and equality, self determination and autonomy.

Human-centred values

screening score · 2026-10-24

Transparency

4/5

Openness about how AI systems work and are used

To support this, agencies should publicly disclose: when AI systems are used how they were developed how they affect outcomes

Transparency and explainability

screening score · 2026-10-24

Enforcement

1/5

Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force

Agencies are encouraged to align with the direction set by this Framework, however it’s not binding.

Overview of the Public Service AI Framework

screening score · 2026-10-24

Impact Assessment

3/5

Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use

They should minimise risk to individual or national safety and security under normal use, misuse or adverse conditions. The Public Service should ensure traceability of data, apply a robust risk management approach

Safety and security

screening score · 2026-10-24

Topics

artificial_intelligence public_administration ai_governance ethics oecd_principles