AI at Work: Key Insights from New Zealand’s Latest Workforce Reports

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the New Zealand workplace, driving both optimism and urgent adaptation among employers and employees.

Recent reports, including the 2025 Scitex Workforce Survey and the AI Forum’s Productivity Report, reveal a nuanced picture of AI’s impact on jobs, productivity, and the evolving skills landscape.

Productivity Gains and Business Transformation

AI adoption is surging across New Zealand. Over 80% of businesses now use AI in some capacity, with 93% reporting improved worker productivity, far outpacing global averages.

Automation of repetitive tasks is freeing employees for higher-value work, while “Frontier Firms” leveraging AI agents are outperforming competitors and expanding workforce capacity. Notably, 70% of New Zealand CEOs report AI has made their workforce more efficient, compared to just 42% in Australia.

Minimal Job Displacement—But Changing Roles

Contrary to common fears, direct job losses from AI remain low. Only 7% of organisations report AI replacing workers, but 40% say they need fewer new hires due to AI efficiencies. Instead of large-scale layoffs, the trend is toward upskilling existing staff and creating new, AI-focused roles.

In fact, 62% of businesses say AI is generating new career opportunities, and 75% of leaders plan to hire for AI-related positions in the coming year.

Skills Revolution and Talent Retention

The workforce is responding with a strong appetite for AI training: 81% of businesses now support internal or external AI upskilling. Employees increasingly expect employers to offer future-ready tools and learning pathways.

The absence of a clear AI strategy is now a talent risk, with skilled workers gravitating toward organisations that invest in AI and digital skills. New Zealanders are especially confident in using AI for complex tasks, with 98% reporting comfort in applying AI to higher-level responsibilities.

Human Skills Remain Essential

As AI transforms work, distinctly human skills, emotional intelligence, ethical judgment, and creativity, are gaining prominence. Kiwi workers are optimistic: 96% believe AI will generate new forms of economic value, and 85% expect a greater need for human connection as AI use grows. This blend of digital and human strengths is shaping a uniquely New Zealand approach to the future of work.

Conclusion

AI is not replacing the New Zealand workforce, it’s augmenting it.

The challenge for employers is clear: invest in AI tools, prioritise upskilling, and foster a culture that values both technological and human capabilities.

Those who do will attract top talent, boost productivity, and secure a competitive edge in an increasingly AI-driven economy.