Written by Dr Craig Hansen, New Zealand’s leading AI educator, digital specialist, and founder of the Summit Institute. Get the latest tips and tricks on how to use AI as an educator & leader – hit here to get the best ideas for free
More than 1,000 schools across New Zealand trust Craig and the Summit Institute—a New Zealand private training provider—to navigate safe and responsible AI in schools, professional development, and strategic roadmaps. As we enter the next phase of this global shift, we must address the ultimate paradigm: “AI is the biggest equity move we can make in our generation.”
As generative AI tools become accessible to students and staff, every school in New Zealand requires a clear, practical AI policy.
Without clear guidance, schools risk confusion around assessment integrity, data privacy, copyright, and acceptable use. A restrictive policy risks pushing AI use underground, while no policy leaves the school exposed to compliance and ethical risks.
Summit Institute helps schools develop flexible, realistic AI policies tailored to their community. Developed under the guidance of Dr Craig Hansen, a recognized AI education expert in New Zealand, our frameworks balance innovation with safety.
Infographic generated via Gemini Notebook: AI Policy for NZ Schools (Click to expand full resolution)
Essential elements of an effective school AI policy
A comprehensive school AI policy should address:
- Acceptable use for students: Clear expectations around when AI is permitted, how it must be acknowledged, and what constitutes academic misconduct under NCEA.
- Standards for staff: Guidelines on protecting student privacy, avoiding uploading identifiable data to public AI models, and maintaining professional oversight.
- Privacy and data governance: Ensuring compliance with the New Zealand Privacy Act 2020 and official guidelines.
- Assessment and academic integrity: Redesigning assessment tasks to evaluate process, critical thinking, and authentic understanding.
Linking Policy to School-Wide Capability
An AI policy is most effective when integrated into wider school leadership and training:
- Review board-level responsibilities at AI Governance for School Boards NZ.
- Support staff in adhering to policy via AI Training for Teachers NZ.
- Audit existing policy frameworks using the AI Readiness Review for NZ Schools.
- Discover complete institutional support on our central AI professional development for New Zealand schools page.
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