Digital Policy

By supporting and investing in tech, we can promote economic growth and employment in New Zealand. We can boost the tech sector by attracting and retaining the skills and expertise needed to help tech firms grow.

The Digital Policy team is focused on advising Ministers on the impact of new digital technology (e.g. artificial intelligence) and supporting New Zealand’s local digital technology sector (e.g. game development and TechStep which aims to raise awareness and interest in digital-related careers).

TechStep(external link)

Artificial intelligence

MBIE is supporting New Zealand to take a strategic approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI). 

The Digital Futures Policy team is now also scoping an AI strategy for New Zealand and creating Responsible AI guidance for business. Both pieces of work are being developed alongside the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), other partners, and key AI experts in Aotearoa, including the AI Forum. 

All work is to support New Zealand to take advantage of this transformative technology in a safe and responsible way, and in accordance with the OECD’s AI Principles.  

OECD AI Principles overview(external link) — OECD.AI Policy Observatory

Game development sector rebate

The Game Development Sector Rebate scheme (GDSR) is a $40 million per year scheme to support the development and growth of New Zealand's game development sector.

The GDSR is a rebate on eligible expenditures of eligible firms, at a rate of 20%. A firm’s rebate payment will be capped at $3 million per annum and the minimum qualifying expenditure per annum is $250,000. 

MBIE has policy responsibility for the GDSR while NZ On Air administers this rebate.

Game Development Sector Rebate scheme(external link) — NZ On Air

Centre of Digital Excellence

The Centre of Digital Excellence (CODE) supports the growth of the creative sector through funding of gaming development, creating pathways into the gaming industry and building the capability of those within the gaming sector. CODE was established in Dunedin in 2019 as a regional development initiative. Our further funding support has enabled CODE to expand its operations to a national level.                                         

Previous work

Digital Technologies Industry Transformation Plan

Last updated: 30 October 2024