The AI Framework for Education in Aotearoa was born out of a critical need for clarity as generative AI entered the classroom. It was developed through a unique wānanga (collaboration) led by Digital Technologies Teachers Aotearoa (DTTA), bringing together an unprecedented group of stakeholders: New Zealand teachers, the Ministry of Education, and global tech leaders from Apple, Google, and Microsoft. Crucially, the framework was shaped by Māori tech leadership, including Chris Cormack (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe), to ensure it reflects an ethical, bicultural perspective unique to Aotearoa. By blending classroom reality with industry foresight, the group created the 'Traffic Light' system to provide students and kaiako with a shared language for responsible AI use.

The Traffic Light System provides a clear, visual shorthand for academic integrity in the age of AI. 

A Green Light indicates that AI can be used as a "co-pilot" for brainstorming, explaining complex concepts, or structuring ideas, provided the student still performs the final synthesis and verification. 

The Amber Light signals a more cautious approach, where AI is restricted to specific, narrow tasks, such as debugging a single line of code or checking grammar, ensuring the core logic and creative output remain entirely the student’s own.

When a task is marked with a Red Light, AI tools are prohibited to ensure foundational learning and authentic assessment. This tier is essential for developing the manual skills and critical thinking that students need before they can effectively oversee an AI assistant. Importantly, this also aligns with NCEA requirements, as certain standards assessments either in part or wholly ban the use of AI to ensure the work is the student’s own "authentic evidence."

We have carefully classified the tasks across this website to indicate where AI use is appropriate, drawing on our professional expertise, the DTTA AI Framework, and NZQA authenticity requirements. Where applicable we have added notes about how AI might be used productively in the students learning. However, these indicators are provided as a 'best-practice' guide only. The specific AI policies of your own school and the instructions of your classroom teacher must always take precedence. Because AI technology and NCEA regulations are evolving rapidly, we cannot guarantee that these classifications will satisfy every local school policy or future audit. Ultimately, the responsibility for ensuring work meets all authenticity and assessment criteria rests with the student and their teacher.