Algorithm Charter for Aotearoa New Zealand: requirements, deadlines and compliance actions
Algorithm Charter for Aotearoa New Zealand (2020)
What this label means
- Verified
- — a named reviewer opened the official source and confirmed the record; the date and the reviewer are shown.
- Pending review
- — linked to the official source and in the queue for a reviewer to confirm.
- Source-linked
- — linked to the official source, not yet confirmed by a reviewer.
On this page 7 sections
In brief
Algorithm Charter for Aotearoa New Zealand is a non-binding code of practice of New Zealand, issued by Stats NZ (Government Chief Data Steward) on behalf of signatory agencies. Its current status is voluntary standard. Voluntary for New Zealand government agencies that sign; applies to operational algorithms that affect people.
- Jurisdiction
- New Zealand
- Instrument type
- Code of practice
- Status
- Voluntary standard
- Legal force
- Non-binding (guidance, strategy or standard)
- Issuing body
- Stats NZ (Government Chief Data Steward) on behalf of signatory agencies
- Adopted
- 28 July 2020
- Official source
- Algorithm Charter for Aotearoa New Zealand
- Verification
- Verified against the official source 26 Sep 2026
What is Algorithm Charter for Aotearoa New Zealand?
Launched in July 2020, the charter commits signatory government agencies to transparency (plain-English explanations of how algorithms are used), partnership with Māori (Te Tiriti), people-focused use, data fit for purpose, privacy, ethics and human rights safeguards, human oversight and channels for challenge, applied through a risk matrix for high-impact algorithms. Around 30 agencies have signed; a 2021 review recommended stronger implementation.
Who does it apply to?
Voluntary for New Zealand government agencies that sign; applies to operational algorithms that affect people.
- AI use cases
- AI in public services
- AI system types
- Automated decision-making system
When do the requirements apply?
Dates are taken from the linked official source; a reviewer should confirm in-force and application dates before relying on them.
Official sources
-
Algorithm Charter for Aotearoa New Zealand
Stats NZ · 28 Jul 2020 · Tier 1 source
Cite this record
AIPolicyTracker (2026). “Algorithm Charter for Aotearoa New Zealand” [AIPT-POL-0144, record version 1, verified 26 September 2026 by Bhaskar Bhatt]. https://aipolicytracker.org/id/AIPT-POL-0144 (accessed 27 October 2026). Data licensed CC BY 4.0.
Permanent id AIPT-POL-0144: it never changes or gets reused, and its address keeps working if this page moves.
Cite the official text alongside it: Algorithm Charter for Aotearoa New Zealand, Stats NZ, https://www.data.govt.nz/toolkit/data-ethics/government-algorithm-transparency-and-accountability/algorithm-charter/.
BibTeX
@misc{aipolicytracker2026_algorithmcharterforaotea,
author = {{AIPolicyTracker}},
title = {{Algorithm Charter for Aotearoa New Zealand}},
year = {2026},
howpublished = {\url{https://aipolicytracker.org/policies/new-zealand-algorithm-charter}},
url = {https://aipolicytracker.org/policies/new-zealand-algorithm-charter},
urldate = {2026-10-27},
note = {Data licensed CC BY 4.0. Accessed 27 October 2026}
}
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Markdown
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<a href="https://aipolicytracker.org/id/AIPT-POL-0144"><img src="https://aipolicytracker.org/badges/new-zealand-algorithm-charter.svg" alt="AIPolicyTracker: Algorithm Charter for Aotearoa New Zealand (2020), Voluntary standard · verified 26 Sep 2026" height="20"></a>Change history
Record history
No change to this record's tracked fields has been recorded since 15 October 2026, when field-level history began.
Record version 1: Added in the September 2026 global coverage expansion from the official source listed; reviewer to confirm dates, status and scope against the source text. Every earlier wording is in the GitHub repository.
Frequently asked questions
Is Algorithm Charter for Aotearoa New Zealand in force?
Algorithm Charter for Aotearoa New Zealand has the status "voluntary standard"; it is not a binding law in force.
Is Algorithm Charter for Aotearoa New Zealand legally binding?
No. Algorithm Charter for Aotearoa New Zealand is a code of practice; it sets expectations rather than legal requirements, unless another instrument gives it force.
Who does Algorithm Charter for Aotearoa New Zealand apply to?
Voluntary for New Zealand government agencies that sign; applies to operational algorithms that affect people.
Where is the official text of Algorithm Charter for Aotearoa New Zealand?
The official text is published by Stats NZ at https://www.data.govt.nz/toolkit/data-ethics/government-algorithm-transparency-and-accountability/algorithm-charter/ (Algorithm Charter for Aotearoa New Zealand). This record links to it and is checked against it.
Disclaimer: informational only, not legal advice. Verify every claim against the linked official sources and consult a qualified lawyer before acting.