At the 2025 Government Innovation Showcase Aotearoa, the focus wasn’t just on technology—it was on what technology can truly enable. In his Chair Welcome for the Technology, Data & AI Integration track, Tony Evans, Partner at KPMG, reflected on how government agencies are turning AI ambition into action.
While 79% of leaders believe AI will give government a significant advantage and 84% have begun exploring its use, only 16% fully trust AI, and just 18% have integrated it into their five-year plans. This reveals that public sector transformation is still in its early stages, and success depends on strong leadership, governance, and collaboration.
Evans shared examples of AI in action: automating complex tasks, uncovering hidden network fraud, and supporting smarter case reviews—delivering insights that directly impact citizens’ experiences. A key theme was life-moment service design: clustering government support around pivotal stages in citizens’ lives to create faster, more intuitive, and empathetic outcomes.
Key highlights included:
Bridging ambition and action in AI adoption across government.
Building leadership trust and accountability in emerging technologies.
Leveraging data and AI to enhance decision-making and public outcomes.
Strengthening governance and long-term planning for sustainable innovation.
Aligning AI and data strategies with the life moments that matter most transforms public services from rigid processes into meaningful experiences.
Looking ahead? Discover the program for Government Innovation Week New Zealand 2026 – view the agenda for 12 May 2026 now.
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