New training supports safe and practical use of AI across the public service

Self-paced learning is now available to help public servants understand artificial intelligence (AI) and use it safely, responsibly and effectively in their work.

The Leadership Development Centre (LDC) and Government Digital Delivery Agency (GDDA) have developed a suite of learning resources designed specifically for the New Zealand public service.

The AI Development Series provides a shared foundation for agencies and their people as AI becomes an increasing part of how government works and delivers services.

The training is suitable for public servants in any role and with any level of AI experience.

Build confidence at your own pace

The AI Development Series includes 4 self-paced topics.

Learners can complete the full series in order, focus on the topics most relevant to their work, or use individual resources to complement learning already offered by their agency.

1. Introduction to AI — understand what AI is, how it differs from traditional digital tools and how it’s being used in the public sector.
2. Safe and responsible AI — apply the Public Service AI Framework and its principles to everyday tasks and decisions.
3. Putting AI into practice — build practical skills in prompting, refining outputs and checking AI-generated content.
4. AI now and in the future — explore public sector examples, emerging opportunities and what AI may mean for your role.

Across the series, participants will focus on:

• practical AI use
• informed decision-making
• the critical role of human judgement, responsibility and oversight.

The training is free to access through the Public Service Core Learning Hub:

AI Development Series — LDC

Supporting responsible AI adoption

Building AI capability across the workforce helps agencies adopt AI safely and consistently.

A shared foundation in AI literacy enables public servants to identify where AI can add value, understand its limitations and make informed decisions about its use.

The resources help agencies establish a consistent foundation for AI learning across their organisation.

Agencies can offer the series across their organisation or integrate it with existing learning programmes, reducing the need to develop introductory AI content independently.