New Zealand’s First AI Strategy

Until July 2025, New Zealand stood alone as the only OECD country without a national AI strategy. That changed with the release of “New Zealand’s Strategy for Artificial Intelligence: Investing with Confidence.”

At its core, the strategy isn’t about building our own foundational AI models or trying to compete with global giants. Instead, it champions the more practical route of “smart adoption”. The government has committed to encouraging businesses to use AI in contextually meaningful ways, by reducing uncertainty with stable policy and minimal barriers.

It’s a welcome shift. But it’s also not without its blind spots.

While a 2024 Datacom survey found that 67% of large businesses in New Zealand are already engaging with AI tools, 68% of SMEs have no plans to evaluate or invest in the technology. For a country where small and medium businesses make up around 97% of all businesses.

How the AI Strategy Could Benefit New Zealand

There’s no denying the upside. New Zealand’s approach plays to its strengths, we’re not trying to outspend Silicon Valley, but we’re well positioned to apply AI in high-impact sectors like agritech, healthcare, education and tourism.

The government’s focus on AI-powered productivity sends a strong message: local businesses and workers are being encouraged to upskill and adopt early.

Meanwhile, international partnerships and streamlined visa pathways aim to draw more global investment and talent into our ecosystem. With the public sector leading by example and open sourcing its approach, there’s a clear effort to create an environment where AI can be tested and scaled with confidence.

What the Strategy is Missing: Risks and Opportunities

While the strategy lays a solid foundation for economic opportunity, critics have pointed out that it’s lighter when it comes to the practical frameworks for responsible use. Rather than introducing new regulations, the government has opted to focus on principles and guidance, aiming to support innovation without slowing it down.

That means much of the responsibility for ethical AI use, including areas like bias, data sovereignty, and transparency, will fall to businesses themselves. In many ways, this presents a real opportunity for New Zealand companies to lead by example, building AI practices that are not only effective but also values-driven and culturally grounded.

More importantly, the strategy highlights, but doesn’t directly address, the growing divide between large businesses and hesitant SMEs. Without targeted support, we risk creating a two-speed economy where innovation becomes concentrated, and the rest fall behind.

That said, this gap creates a real opportunity for consultants, product teams, AI vendors and recruiters who can help bridge it. There’s increasing demand for specialists who can translate AI into real-world outcomes and for people who can guide teams through early adoption with clarity and care.

What This Means for the Tech Industry

For clients, this strategy signals a shift in hiring needs. It’s no longer just about technical chops, companies are starting to look for candidates who can prompt, shape, and evaluate AI tools, alongside their core development or operations work.

That includes:

·      Developers who can iterate quickly with AI assistance

·      Product leaders who understand AI deployment

·      Data specialists with fluency in responsible machine learning

·      Even non-technical roles, like HR or marketing, adapting to new AI enhanced workflows

For candidates, it’s a pivotal moment. Those who embrace upskilling, even at a basic level, in AI tools and concepts are far more likely to stay relevant and competitive. Those who sit still may find that their role evolves faster than expected.

This shift is about more than just technology. It’s about creativity, adaptability, and confidence. These qualities have always defined the best tech professionals, and that are now more important than ever.

Final Thoughts

New Zealand’s AI strategy is a strong start. It’s pragmatic, opportunity focused, and long overdue. But it’s just that: a beginning.

As AI adoption accelerates globally, the real work lies in helping businesses, especially SMEs, close the gap. For those of us in the recruitment space, it’s a chance to help bridge that divide. Whether it’s advising clients on changing team structures or helping candidates build future-ready skill sets, we all have a role to play.

At Gambit, we’re here to support the tech community through this evolution. If you’re building a team, navigating a career change, or just curious about what’s next, let’s have a conversation.

Because the future of work isn’t just coming. It’s already here.

Thomas Hoksbergen | 09 355 8324 | thomas@gambitrecruitment.co.nz