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AI impact in New Zealand

2026 State of AI Index

Datacom research report
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AI uptake accelerates, transformation stalls

AI is now firmly embedded in New Zealand workplaces, with 91% of organisations using some form of AI but while adoption continues to accelerate, many organisations are finding it harder to move from experimentation to embedding AI at scale and achieving business transformation. Datacom's annual 2026 State of AI Index explores how New Zealand organisations are using AI, where they're seeing value, and the leadership, capability and governance challenges shaping the next phase of adoption. 

The full 2026 State of AI Index report is available to download now.

AI has gone mainstream

Just two years ago AI was still being viewed by many organisations as an emerging technology. In 2026, AI is increasingly supporting everyday tasks, productivity and decision-making, with time savings and productivity gains the most commonly reported benefit.

 
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Infographic displaying 91% of New Zealand organisations now use some form of AI
AI has quickly become part of the everyday toolkit for New Zealand businesses. The question is no longer whether organisations are using AI, but how effectively they're applying it to solve real business challenges.
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Peter Nelson
Managing Director, Datacom New Zealand

AI adoption is rapid but scaling has stalled

Most organisations are still experimenting or implementing, only a small minority have successfully scaled AI across the business and the proportion reporting transformational impact has fallen year-on-year.

 
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Statistics from the AI insights report showing 81% remain in the exploratory or implementation stages of AI.
Adopting AI tools is relatively easy but transforming the way an organisation works around AI is much harder, which is why leadership and clear accountability matter so much.
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Louise Compagnone
Director of AI, Datacom

AI leadership is lagging

Many organisations have adopted AI, but fewer have established clear ownership and accountability for it. The growing focus on AI skills training and dedicated talent suggests businesses are recognising that capability and strategy, not technology access, is now the bigger challenge.

 
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Stats from the AI insights report showing 66% provided AI skills training in the past year, 59% employ or plan to employ dedicated AI talent, and 22% have a dedicated AI leadership role.

Methodology

These research findings are based on a survey of 207 senior business leaders (C-level, senior manager, IT manager) in New Zealand organisations with 100 or more employees. Research was conducted between Tuesday 28 July 2026 and Monday 3 August 2026 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.  

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