Ministry of Social Development Stories

Global Stories

Ministry of Social Development stories

Artificial Intelligence

Is there room for ethics in the 'Wild West' of AI?

What are the ethical responsibilities for those developing and implementing AI? An expert panel at SUNZ discuss.

By Ben Moore • 4 min read • Wed, 13th Jun 2018

Stories from Other Regions

Ministry of Social Development stories

AR, VR & Metaverse

Virtual reality boosts job skills & hope for NZ prison inmates

A New Zealand virtual reality programme is enhancing prisoner job skills and hope, with over 70% of certified participants securing post-release employment.

By Melania Watson • 3 min read • Wed, 19th Nov 2025

Digital Transformation

Voyage marks decade of growth with focus on AI & culture

Christchurch-based digital agency Voyage celebrates 10 years, focusing on AI integration and a strong workplace culture to drive future growth.

By Shannon Williams • 4 min read • Thu, 3rd Jul 2025

EduTech

academyEX awards 152 postgraduate & masters degrees

academyEX has celebrated a milestone by awarding postgraduate and masters degrees to 152 students, including its first cohort for innovative programmes.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Mon, 23rd Sep 2024

Digital Literacy

New Zealand's academyEX wins global award for innovative Edtech platform

New Zealand's edtech sector celebrates as academyEx and the Ministry of Social Development triumph in the World Summit Awards, receiving acclaim for their innovative job skills platform, Digital Passport.

By Sean Mitchell • 2 min read • Tue, 27th Feb 2024

EduTech

HCLTech graduates first digital apprentices in New Zealand, plans expansion

HCLTech celebrates the graduation of its first group of digital apprentices in New Zealand and plans to expand the program.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Sun, 5th Nov 2023

Hutt City Council

WelTec meeting ‘first step’ to addressing infrastructure workforce needs

Nearly 3,000 infrastructure jobs are expected in Wellington from 2025 to 2028, prompting a regional push to fill skills gaps.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Wed, 2nd Aug 2023

Surveillance

Identity Check online system pilot launched despite gaps over privacy, rights

Government's online identity check system raises concerns over human rights, ethics, and Māori engagement. Nationwide pilot underway.

By Phil Pennington • 6 min read • Tue, 22nd Nov 2022

Ministry of Social Development

How we resolve infrastructure workforce challenges

New Zealand risks missing its infrastructure build-out unless it creates clearer entry points and training for civil construction workers.

By Staff Writer • 5 min read • Wed, 20th Apr 2022

Supply Chain

SOS goes out to truck drivers

Supply-chain pressures are rising as New Zealand urges lorry drivers back to work amid Omicron-related staff shortages.

By Staff Writer • 3 min read • Wed, 16th Mar 2022

Ministry of Social Development

Construction training programme expands to Manawatū

Job seekers in Manawatū will start a six-week infrastructure course in November, with trainees employed by firms from day one.

By Staff Writer • 4 min read • Sun, 31st Oct 2021

Small Business

Apprenticeship Boost extension – everything you need to know

Employers can now claim support for apprentices for longer, with the subsidy running until August and backing training in critical industries.

By Staff Writer • 4 min read • Fri, 19th Mar 2021

GFC

A 1930s solution to a 1930s-style problem

A slump in private development could let ministers add 9,400 state houses, easing a record waiting list and propping up builders.

By Staff Writer • 7 min read • Fri, 8th May 2020

AR, VR & Metaverse

VR becomes critical tool for tackling NZ skill shortages

Virtual reality becomes a vital tool to address NZ's skill shortages, with Joy Business Academy and major firms supporting VR training in various industries.

By Sara Barker • 3 min read • Mon, 2nd Sep 2019