The New Zealand government has made its priorities clear: we are betting big on artificial intelligence. However, without equal investment in digital access and skills, the government’s AI ambitions risk creating a two-tier digital nation.

Last week the NZ government confirmed its new Road User Charges (RUC) system, replacing the petrol tax and set out a solution which appears to be digital-only, electronic road user charges. For many New Zealanders, this raises the whole question on digital equality and access for government services again.

It’s about meeting people where they are, not expecting them to adapt to whatever platform is easiest for us to deliver.

“Some people won't be able to communicate. Most of my mates don’t have credit. Like, sometimes we only have Wi-Fi. Like the free Wi-Fi at school or in town.”