Government Chief Digital Officer’s role in artificial intelligence (AI)

The Government Chief Digital Officer (GCDO) leads the safe and trustworthy adoption and use of AI in the public service.

AI use in New Zealand’s public service

There’s a lot of interest in using AI to improve public services for New Zealanders. In , the GCDO released early, interim guidance on Generative AI use for government organisations. This guidance supports the safe and responsible use of emerging AI technologies.

Interim Generative AI guidance for the public service

Research about AI in the public service

In , the GCDO carried out a survey of more than 50 government organisations to get a view of the current and future use of AI in the public service.

In , the GCDO surveyed 37 government organisations on their ideas for AI use cases in the public service.

GCDO responsibilities for AI in the public service

In , the Public Service Commissioner asked the GCDO to lead the use of AI in the public service.

The GCDO is responsible for:

  • leading AI use as the Digital system lead
  • setting standards
  • guiding government organisations in adopting and using AI
  • working with providers of AI technology.

Cabinet paper: Approach to work on AI

In , as part of setting a strategic approach for AI in New Zealand, Cabinet set expectations for government agencies using AI technologies.

Cabinet has:

  • agreed that government agencies should be encouraged to adopt AI for its benefits, while managing the risks
  • noted the role of the GCDO in leading work to accelerate responsible use of AI across public services, to deliver better outcomes for all New Zealanders.

Read the full Cabinet paper and minute on the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) website:

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