The warning comes amid increasing use of artificial intelligence across government, business, education and healthcare, alongside growing investment in large-scale data infrastructure that powers AI technologies. Recent reviews have found AI use is now widespread throughout New Zealand’s education sector, with teachers and students increasingly relying on generative AI for learning, assessment and administration. Education experts say clearer national guidance is needed to ensure AI is used safely, ethically and consistently across classrooms. However, the rapid growth of AI infrastructure has also prompted calls for greater scrutiny. Cybersecurity experts also warn that dependence on offshore digital infrastructure creates additional resilience challenges.