The Sovereignty Principle

New Zealand’s sovereignty and national identity will be supported and maintained.

When designing or implementing government services, processes, and infrastructure, collaborating agencies and other parties will not make design and implementation choices that have the effect of weakening New Zealand’s sovereignty or are inconsistent with New Zealand’s national identity. There must be no impediment to the enforcement of New Zealand law or the government’s ability to act. Decisions should enhance the ability of New Zealanders’ ability to expression their national identity, rather than inhibit them.

Rationale

• New Zealand is a democratic sovereign nation ⁱ
• New Zealand has: a distinctive style, identity and community values. The government will prioritise policies that contribute to a strong sense of national identity.ⁱⁱ
• The vision of the Digital Strategy is for “New Zealand to be a world leader in using information and technology to realise its economic, social, environmental and cultural goals to the benefit of all its people”. ⁱⁱⁱ

Implications

• ICT can enhance our sense of identity and connection to a particular place or group. It can extend services to isolated communities or those excluded from full participation in the life of the community. It can enable people to become more involved in democratic processes and decision-making at all levels.
• Government information and services will be easier to use, customised to individuals’ needs, and delivered through many channels.

Footnotes

[i. Constitution Act 1986: S2, S10, S14 & S15]

[ii. Prime Minister’s Statement to Parliament, 14 February 2006]

[iii. The Digital Strategy: Creating Our Digital Future, 2005]