IT Professionals New Zealand (ITP) provides professional guidance for people working in the IT profession. Its Code of Ethics is binding on ITP members and provides ethical and professional expectations. The Code is based on principles including the interests of the community, respect for the individual, interests of the client and professional integrity. It also identifies values such as competence, truth, social justice and ethical behaviour (IT Professionals NZ, 2025).
Technology can affect people’s privacy, safety, employment, finances and access to services. IT professionals therefore have responsibilities that go beyond simply making a system work. The Code helps professionals think about the wider impact of their decisions and encourages trustworthy, responsible and competent practice.
1. Put the interests of the community and users into consideration.
2. Respect individuals and their rights.
3. Act in the interests of clients while remaining professional and honest.
4. Maintain professional integrity and avoid misleading behaviour.
5. Work within the limits of your competence and seek help when necessary.
6. Protect confidential information and handle data responsibly.
7. Be truthful about your skills, the security of systems and the limitations of technology.
8. Consider social justice and avoid creating unnecessary harm or unfair outcomes.
A developer may be asked to collect more personal information than the website actually needs. A technically possible solution is not always an ethical solution. The developer should question the need for the information, explain privacy risks to the client and recommend a safer design. This shows professional integrity, respect for users and responsible technical practice.
Ethical IT practice in Aotearoa New Zealand should respect Māori cultural values and Māori interests in data and digital content. Professionals should consider Māori data sovereignty when systems collect, analyse, store or share information about Māori. Where Māori cultural knowledge or imagery is involved, developers should avoid treating it as ordinary commercial content and should consider appropriate consultation, permissions and tikanga.
• Is the system lawful and fair?
• Is the information collection necessary?
• Have users been clearly informed?
• Is the system secure?
• Could the design cause harm to a person or community?
• Have cultural values and Māori interests been considered where relevant?
• Are decisions and limitations explained honestly?
• Have appropriate permissions and licences been obtained?