As New Zealand businesses face mounting productivity pressure, new research from 2degrees shows AI is already delivering measurable gains for SMEs. From streamlining operations to unlocking new growth opportunities, the challenge now is turning early experimentation into lasting business impact.
Acron Plastics, a New Zealand thermoforming manufacturer, had been running as a fully paper-based business before adopting MRPeasy. We sat down with Business & Sales Manager Mark Wong to see how the company uses the system to structure orders, manage purchasing and inventory, and reduce the risk of missed jobs.
A low-carbon Auckland building is set to be one of the largest retrofit office projects to achieve a world-leading sustainability standard. The $54 million five-storey building at 105 Carlton Gore Road, in Auckland’s Newmarket is one of the first developed for the post-pandemic working environment to open. Experts say a global trend towards greener buildings is driving interest from multinational corporations and environmentally conscious millennial workers in moving into this segment of New Zealand’s commercial real estate sector. Saatyesh Bhana, Argosy Property’s head of sustainability, says the development has diverted more than 300 tonnes of construction waste from landfill, the equivalent volume of waste generated from 60 new house builds.[1] He says the property sector is a significant contributor to
FABALI has invested in Marlborough-based startup SmartMachine, citing its work as a significant operational step change for viticulture.
Charlie Wood shares his views on the key technologies impacting SMEs in 2024. Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) was the standout tech trend of 2023, with tools such as ChatGPT and Dall-E making advanced AI available to everyone, from businesses to individuals. Will the hype settle in 2024, or will more capability be unlocked? Our arena is the vibrant landscape of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across New Zealand, where the adrenaline rush of entrepreneurship meets the tact of technology. Here’s our glimpse into the six tech waves we foresee, each promising to add a new rhythm to the heartbeat of modern business enterprises. 1. Supply Chain enlightenment A robust, agile supply chain is critical for business success. Advanced ERP
A new Kiwi software-as-a-service app is making small business ownership and success more attainable for Kiwis, regardless of business background and skillset. Afirmo is a one-stop-support-shop for small businesses and people venturing into business, and it has attracted 3500 customers in its first year. The SaaS app helps aspiring business owners (sole traders, partnerships and limited liability companies) set up a business from scratch including all the necessary business and tax registrations such as IRD, GST, NZBN, BIC, ACC Cover Plus account, as well as register as an employer and stay on top of tax obligations. The app also provides marketing tools required in the early stages of starting a business like creating a website, designing a logo and registering
The recent unintended leak of a company’s confidential source code, when a staff member used ChatGPT, is a warning to all Kiwi companies that their IP is at risk when staff use AI unchecked. Mark Presnell, managing director of Auckland eCommerce integration company Convergence, said the incident at Samsung underlines the potential perils of AI when used in a company setting. “Every company offers a point of difference because that is core to the value they add. Using AI could compromise their differentiation. “AI has seamlessly integrated into our daily work, providing solutions, speeding up processes, and aiding research. It’s a tool, much like the early mobile phones, meant to facilitate our efficiencies. However, as we once transitioned from company-monitored
New data reveals up to 132,000 Kiwi small business leaders have been targeted by cyberattacks. Now there’s a ten-part content series containing simple, low-cost insights for businesses to take action. A new study commissioned by Mastercard has unveiled the eye-opening scope of cyber-attacks among New Zealand’s small business leaders; up to 132,000 have experienced cybersecurity issues. Of those impacted, 29% claim they experienced financial losses as a result. Despite an increase in cybercrime reports last year1, over a quarter (27%) of small businesses have been forced to make cuts to cybersecurity due to rising cost pressures, with 64% claiming they are actively trying to scale down business costs amidst the cost-of-living crisis. With consumer spending declining2, small business leaders are
Upcoming event
Thursday 11 June 2026 | 5:00pm – 7:00pm
📍 The Icehouse, Textile Centre, Level 4, 117 Saint Georges Bay Road, Auckland
AI is everywhere – but what technology is actually delivering real value for SMEs right now? Join NZBusiness for a panel discussion unpacking all things business tech and AI.
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