AI in New Zealand Government: Building Trust Through Data, Privacy and Strong Foundations

As government agencies across New Zealand looked to harness Artificial Intelligence to improve services and strengthen decision-making, one reality was clear – AI success was only as strong as the foundations beneath it. Questions around data privacy, security, compliance and accessibility remained front of mind for senior leaders as they sought to balance innovation with responsibility.

This webinar explored how agencies could move forward with confidence. Our expert panellists examined how foundational practices; from data management to digital recordkeeping, underpin every stage of AI adoption, and how these fundamentals unlock both opportunity and public trust.

Key discussion areas included:
• What good foundational data management looks like – and why it matters before AI is introduced
• Data privacy, security and compliance obligations in a shifting regulatory landscape
• Balancing innovation with transparency and public trust in the age of AI
• How trustworthy AI outputs drive business confidence and better service delivery
• Lessons from across government on building digital readiness for future AI initiatives

Designed for CIOs, CDOs, digital leaders and executives charged with driving innovation responsibly, this session provided valuable insight into how agencies can set strong foundations for AI, avoid common pitfalls and take the next steps toward meaningful, sustainable adoption.

It was a forward-looking conversation that reframed AI not as a destination but as part of a journey.

Your expert speakers:

Stephen Clarke, MRIM CSRIM PG DipAARM

Principal, Information Governance Advisor, Iron Mountain

Jan Sheppard

Chief Data and Analytics Officer, PHF Science

Jolene Armadoros

Head of Information Security, Public Trust