The position was created on 6 November 2020 as the Minister for the Digital Economy and Communications and, along with the Minister of Broadcasting and Media, was divided from the previous position of Minister of Broadcasting, Communications and Digital Media.[4] The purpose of the Digital Economy and Communications portfolio was to simplify and streamline digital workstreams across the New Zealand government, as well as to regulate the telecommunications and postal sectors, broadband infrastructure, and the radio spectrum.[5][6] Those regulatory functions had previously been under the Minister of Communications and Information Technology. The portfolio was retitled with a refocused set of responsibilities after the 2023 general election.
The minister shares responsibility for cyber security matters with the minister responsible for the Government Communications Security Bureau.[7] Former politician Peter Dunne has said the position is "extremely important", "given New Zealand’s position as one of the world's most digitally advanced governments".[4]
The minister is responsible for the Digital Executive Board, which "leads a whole-of-system approach to transform digital public services for New Zealand."[8]
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