Over recent years, interest in blockchain and digital assets has grown globally, with many jurisdictions moving ahead on policy and regulatory settings. In Aotearoa New Zealand, BlockchainNZ, the National industry body, has seen increasing momentum to build a coordinated approach that supports safe innovation, protects consumers, and enables new economic opportunity.
To support this shift, BlockchainNZ established the Digital Asset Working Group, a cross-party, cross-sector forum that brings together government, regulators, industry leaders, academics, and legal experts. The Group provides a trusted environment for shared learning and solution-focused dialogue as New Zealand defines its national position on blockchain and digital assets.
This work ensures Parliament and regulators have access to independent, high-quality expertise while enabling industry to contribute constructively to a future-ready digital-asset framework that protects consumers, retains talent, and supports the growth of New Zealand’s export economy.
PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
This cross‑party, cross‑sector forum aims to:
- Establish a regular, trusted forum for cross‑party, cross‑sector dialogue that builds relationships over time.
- Educate Parliament through accessible briefings on blockchain, digital assets, and tokenisation.
- Ground discussions in real‑world New Zealand and global case studies to surface barriers and opportunities.
- Provide constructive, solution‑oriented policy options by pairing identified issues with practical fixes.
- Map international developments (e.g., UK and Australia) to inform New Zealand’s direction.
- Align efforts with national priorities: economic growth, innovation, and opportunities for young New Zealanders.
- Build cross‑party champions to support informed, durable progress in Parliament.
- Host in‑person sessions aligned with Parliamentary sitting weeks to maintain momentum and engagement.
Deliverables
- Policy development: Draft, review, and refine concise policy briefs and formal outputs for cross‑party MPs and regulators, supported by targeted consultation and research.
- Coordination and facilitation: Structure and coordinate meetings (theme‑based agendas, education‑first approach), with in‑person Wellington convenings and hybrid options.
- Roadmap support: Produce and maintain a practical roadmap that sequences education, consultation, and policy actions.
- Stakeholder engagement: Run facilitated sessions and roundtables to test ideas, share case studies, and align next steps.
- Publication and visibility: Provide a dedicated web presence to communicate purpose, share policy outputs and summaries, and highlight participating organisations in a neutral, non‑promotional manner.
- Participation: Involve qualified representatives from Parliament, regulators, and industry in discussions and drafting where appropriate.
Join Us
The Digital Assets Working Group meets regularly with theme‑based agendas focused on education, discussion, and actionable next steps. Participation is aimed at Parliamentarians, regulators, and industry representatives and is open to BlockchainNZ members only. To express interest or learn more, please contact us to join this group.
If you are not a member and would like to join, you can become a member here.
