# New Zealand Considers AI Procurement Rules

New Zealand’s AI adoption is outpacing its policy framework: 67% of larger businesses reportedly used AI in 2024, while 68% of SMEs had no plans to evaluate or invest in it in 2025. The article identifies possible post-election measures—including government AI procurement rules, liability guidance, data standards, and SME support—but reports no current solicitation or contract. For public buyers and suppliers, these are potential future changes to procurement conditions, not an active bid opportunity.

- Future AI procurement rules or data standards could shape government requirements for AI systems and services; suppliers should assess how their offerings align with these potential directions.
- Because the article identifies no current solicitation, contract value, or implementation timeline, businesses should not treat the policy discussion as an immediate procurement opportunity.
- Contractors can use the incoming government’s first-100-days priorities, identified in the article as a point to watch, to assess whether these prospective measures are advancing.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** October 02, 2026

### Government Entities
- Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
- New Zealand Treasury (Treasury)
- Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (DPMC)
- Cabinet Economic Policy Committee

### Sources
- [Election 2026 AI policy lags 67% business adoption](https://b2bnews.co.nz/news/election-2026-ai-policy-lags-67-percent-business-adoption) - B2B News