Internet New Zealand says the country is leading the way by refusing to sign up to international regulations which would allow greater government control over the internet.
The proposed regulations were presented at a world conference on International Telecommunications in Dubai.
They would broaden the role of the International Telecommunication Union, an agency of the United Nations, and include more state control of internet content.
New Zealand was one of 33 countries opposing the changes, along with Australia, the United States, Britain and Canada.
Internet New Zealand's policy lead, Susan Chalmers, says the move proves the Government wants to foster and develop the internet - rather than heavily regulate it.
She says New Zealand will not be forced into taking paths which would disadvantage internet users.
