Freedom has unveiled a new technology policy that would require government agencies to consider open source software before purchasing commercial products, arguing the change could keep billions of taxpayer dollars within New Zealand. The party says the policy would strengthen digital sovereignty, support local technology businesses, reduce long-term software costs and increase transparency in government procurement while maintaining cybersecurity and privacy standards.
Following its recent announcement introducing a policy of direct democracy and its official name change to Freedom, the party has unveiled a new technology policy aimed at changing how New Zealand's government purchases software.
The policy seeks to reduce billions of dollars in ongoing payments to overseas technology companies by encouraging greater use of open source software and supporting New Zealand's local technology sector.
Keeping New Zealand's Wealth in New Zealand
Freedom says a significant proportion of government software and cloud services is currently purchased from overseas providers.
According to the party, New Zealand's public cloud spending is expected to reach nearly $10 billion by 2028, while total technology spending is projected to reach $13 billion over the next five years. It argues that this results in billions of taxpayer dollars leaving the country through ongoing software subscription costs.
The party says these costs must ultimately be funded through New Zealand's export industries, including meat, wool and timber, while also increasing reliance on overseas technology companies.
Freedom argues New Zealand should make greater use of open source alternatives where they are suitable.
Key Points of the Policy
The proposed policy would introduce several requirements for government agencies:
- Check Open Source First: Agencies would be required to assess whether a free and open source solution is suitable before purchasing commercial software.
- Assess Total Cost of Ownership: Procurement decisions would consider long-term costs, including licensing, support, training, cybersecurity and future implementation costs.
- Public Accountability: Agencies choosing commercial software over an available open source alternative would be expected to publicly explain their decision.
- Reuse Publicly Funded Software: Software developed using taxpayer funding should be shared across government agencies, schools, councils and hospitals to avoid duplicate spending.
- Adopt Open Standards: The policy promotes open standards to improve interoperability and reduce dependence on individual software vendors.
- Support Local Industry: Savings from reduced overseas licensing costs would be redirected toward New Zealand software developers, cybersecurity specialists, hosting providers and technology companies.
- Maintain Security: The policy states that privacy, cybersecurity and critical public services would remain protected throughout implementation.
International Examples and Artificial Intelligence
Freedom points to several countries—including Switzerland, Germany, Denmark and France—as examples of governments that have expanded their use of open source software to reduce costs and strengthen digital independence.
The party also says advances in artificial intelligence make adapting and maintaining open source software significantly easier than in the past. It argues that supporting locally developed and open AI technologies would help strengthen New Zealand's own technical capability while reducing dependence on foreign providers.
A Vision for Better Value
Freedom says the objective is to ensure government agencies carefully evaluate long-term software purchasing decisions before entering expensive commercial licensing agreements.
The party believes wider adoption of open source software, reusable government systems and local technical expertise would deliver better value for taxpayers, support New Zealand businesses and strengthen the country's digital independence.
Read the Full Policy
The complete policy is available here:
Freedom – Open Source Policy
https://freedom.kiwi/open-source-policy
'Freedom' Launches Open Source Policy to Keep New Zealand's Digital Wealth at Home
Media Release | Freedom | 24 July 2026
Following its recent announcement introducing a policy of direct democracy and its official name change to Freedom, the party has unveiled a new technology policy aimed at changing how New Zealand's government purchases software.
The policy seeks to reduce billions of dollars in ongoing payments to overseas technology companies by encouraging greater use of open source software and supporting New Zealand's local technology sector.
Keeping New Zealand's Wealth in New Zealand
Freedom says a significant proportion of government software and cloud services is currently purchased from overseas providers.
According to the party, New Zealand's public cloud spending is expected to reach nearly $10 billion by 2028, while total technology spending is projected to reach $13 billion over the next five years. It argues that this results in billions of taxpayer dollars leaving the country through ongoing software subscription costs.
The party says these costs must ultimately be funded through New Zealand's export industries, including meat, wool and timber, while also increasing reliance on overseas technology companies.
Freedom argues New Zealand should make greater use of open source alternatives where they are suitable.
Key Points of the Policy
The proposed policy would introduce several requirements for government agencies:
- Check Open Source First: Agencies would be required to assess whether a free and open source solution is suitable before purchasing commercial software.
- Assess Total Cost of Ownership: Procurement decisions would consider long-term costs, including licensing, support, training, cybersecurity and future implementation costs.
- Public Accountability: Agencies choosing commercial software over an available open source alternative would be expected to publicly explain their decision.
- Reuse Publicly Funded Software: Software developed using taxpayer funding should be shared across government agencies, schools, councils and hospitals to avoid duplicate spending.
- Adopt Open Standards: The policy promotes open standards to improve interoperability and reduce dependence on individual software vendors.
- Support Local Industry: Savings from reduced overseas licensing costs would be redirected toward New Zealand software developers, cybersecurity specialists, hosting providers and technology companies.
- Maintain Security: The policy states that privacy, cybersecurity and critical public services would remain protected throughout implementation.
International Examples and Artificial Intelligence
Freedom points to several countries—including Switzerland, Germany, Denmark and France—as examples of governments that have expanded their use of open source software to reduce costs and strengthen digital independence.
The party also says advances in artificial intelligence make adapting and maintaining open source software significantly easier than in the past. It argues that supporting locally developed and open AI technologies would help strengthen New Zealand's own technical capability while reducing dependence on foreign providers.
A Vision for Better Value
Freedom says the objective is to ensure government agencies carefully evaluate long-term software purchasing decisions before entering expensive commercial licensing agreements.
The party believes wider adoption of open source software, reusable government systems and local technical expertise would deliver better value for taxpayers, support New Zealand businesses and strengthen the country's digital independence.
Read the Full Policy
The complete policy is available here:
Freedom – Open Source Policy
https://freedom.kiwi/open-source-policy
Source: Freedom Party Media Release — "Freedom Launches New Open Source Policy to Keep New Zealand's Digital Wealth at Home" (24 July 2026)