# New Zealand Government Proposes AI Training Program

The New Zealand Government is considering a comprehensive AI capability development initiative spanning 2026 to 2029, including mandatory AI training for all government ministers and chief executives, public service AI upskilling, and support for small business AI adoption. The proposal outlines a budget ranging from $200 million to $310 million over three years, with specific allocations such as $10 million to $20 million for establishing an Office of AI within the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) and a public service AI capability program, and approximately $66 million annually for an AI literacy program targeting one million adults. This initiative also includes funding for teacher training and a national AI conference to set strategic priorities post-election. Procurement professionals and contractors specializing in AI training, consulting, and educational services should evaluate these upcoming opportunities as the government seeks to build national AI capabilities and literacy.

- The establishment of the Office of AI and associated programs represents a multi-year procurement opportunity with significant funding for AI training and consulting services.
- Vendors offering AI education, workforce development, and small business AI adoption support may find new contracts and voucher programs to participate in.
- Agencies involved include the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC) and the Education Review Office (ERO), indicating cross-government collaboration.
- The proposed mandatory training for ministers and CEOs signals a strategic government focus on AI literacy at leadership levels, potentially influencing future procurement priorities and requirements.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** September 15, 2026

### Government Entities
- New Zealand Government
- Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC)
- Education Review Office (ERO)

### Vendors
- Mark Laurence's AI training business (Potential competitor for AI training funding)

### Key Quotes
> Twenty hours of hands-on AI training for every minister and chief executive, and an AI capability programme for the public service itself: about 65,000 people, $10m to $20m over three years.
> — Mark Laurence, AI training business owner

### Sources
- [Government should make AI training mandatory for all ministers and CEO's, expert says | RNZ](https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/science-and-technology/1388187/government-should-make-ai-training-mandatory-for-all-ministers-and-ceo-s-expert-says) - RNZ
- [Everyone in, a draft AI policy for New Zealand | interest.co.nz](https://www.interest.co.nz/technology/140260/mark-laurence-presents-his-proposed-draft-ai-policy-new-zealand-and-calls) - Interest.co.nz