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AI IMPACT IN NEW ZEALAND

2025 State of AI Index

Datacom research report
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AI yielding results for NZ businesses – but scaling AI a challenge

Datacom’s 2025 State of AI Index reveals that 88% of New Zealand organisations using AI are reporting a positive impact on their operations. Based on a survey of 200 senior business leaders, the report – now in its third year – shows continued strong momentum in AI adoption, with usage rising to 87%, up from 66% in 2024 and 48% in 2023.

Despite the momentum, scaling AI remains a challenge. Just 12% of organisations have rolled out AI across their entire business, with barriers such as skills shortages, data integration issues, and shadow AI continue to slow progress.

The full 2025 State of AI Index report is available to download now.

Productivity gains the biggest AI impact

Is AI having a positive impact on New Zealand business operations? 

88% YES

Biggest business gains from AI

AI is yielding tangible positive impacts for New Zealand organisations including productivity and enhance decision-making.

 
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A bar graph visualising the positive impacts NZ organisations are seeing as a result of using AI.
It is encouraging to see New Zealand organisations capitalising on the benefits AI offers. We are still seeing business leaders calling for greater guidance and support around AI and 50% rank New Zealand’s position in AI innovation and regulation as “lagging” compared to other countries.
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Justin Gray
Managing Director, Datacom New Zealand

Most businesses still in AI “exploratory" phase

How New Zealand organisations rate their AI maturity

 
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Animated infographic that describes how NZ organisations rate their AI maturity
Success in AI implementation requires having a clear vision for the role AI will play in achieving business objectives, backed by a comprehensive AI strategy that addresses key pillars such as optimisation of business functions, AI technical foundations, data governance and talent development.
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Louise Compagnone
Director of AI, Datacom

Use cases: how are organisations putting AI to work?

Most common AI use cases for New Zealand businesses

Three percentage infographics representing the most common AI use cases for NZ businesses

Complexity levels of AI use cases across New Zealand organisations

 
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A bar graph visualising the complexity of AI use cases across NZ organisations

Methodology

These research findings are based on a survey of 200 senior business leaders (C-level, senior manager, IT manager) in New Zealand organisations with 100 or more employees. Research was conducted across a one-week period in July 2025 by Curia Market Research and was carried out in accordance with the Research Association New Zealand Code of Practice and the International Chamber of Commerce/European Society for Opinion and Market Research Code on Market and Social Research.

The comparative reporting periods were in July 2023 and July 2024.

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