New Zealand’s $24 billion technology sector is calling on policymakers to put aside political differences and commit to a long-term, bipartisan strategy to secure the country’s economic future.
Launching the Tech New Zealand 2026 election manifesto, CEO Graeme Muller warns that New Zealand’s prosperity is at risk without decisive action.
“Our productivity is lagging, our talent is departing, and our infrastructure deficit is growing,” says Muller. “Technology is the catalyst that can transform our economy. It underpins future prosperity and global competitiveness – from agriculture and manufacturing to health and education.”
“New Zealanders deserve a clear, ambitious vision that captures opportunities while managing risk. That requires long-term thinking with genuine cross-party collaboration.”
Tech New Zealand represents more than 2,500 member organisations employing 10 percent of the country’s workforce across agritech, AI, biotech, blockchain, education, fintech and other industries. Its 2026 election manifesto, released today, outlines a comprehensive set of policy recommendations, based on four long-term foundations to help Aotearoa leverage the benefits of technology.
“We need world-class local digital infrastructure, abundant and affordable clean energy, a consistent and attractive investment ecosystem, and strong global connections and export excellence,” says Muller.
The manifesto contains many specific policy proposals that support these goals, including:
– Provide every adult New Zealander with access to free, globally-benchmarked training in practical AI skills like they now do in the UK.
– Direct the NZ Super Fund to allocate more late-stage capital into local tech firms, helping them to retain head offices and staff in New Zealand as our biggest tech firms go global.
– Increase investment in cybersecurity to combat the $1.6 billion lost to cybercrime annually.
– Accelerate deployment of renewable energy and use this to attract energy-intensive industries – such as data centres, supercomputing and advanced food processing – powered by clean energy to drive low-carbonexports.
– Invest in digital inclusion initiatives to ensure all New Zealanders can access, adopt and benefit from public digital infrastructure.
– Establish a streamlined pathway for precision-bred, gene-edited plants and animals, distinct from existing GMO rules to safely lift our primary sector exports.
“Smarter use of technology will lift productivity, drive sustainable growth and create high-value jobs,” says Muller.
“We have a strong base, with the tech sector contributing $24 billion to GDP – around 8%. Now is the time to unlock its full potential.”
The complete manifesto can be found at https://technewzealand.org.nz/reports/tech-new-zealand-tech-innovation-manifesto-2026/
