More than 80 percent of people don’t independently verify AI-generated information. As AI becomes the first place customers go for answers, that trust is creating a new challenge for New Zealand businesses.
AI is having its “peak hype” moment, but beneath the noise there is a very practical question most New Zealand business owners are asking: Will this actually help my business run better, or is it just another shiny tech distraction?
Richard Conway shares his company’s experience in transitioning to Google’s new AI Search Generative Experience. Everything is going to change. Whilst we have been using AI within advertising platforms for many years, the launch of Chat GPT in November 2022 and the subsequent tsunami of new AI businesses since has launched this technology into the mainstream. As a marketing agency owner, it is business critical for both us and our clients to ensure we utilise the technology in a safe, effective, and secure manner. To this end, my company identified the world’s leading expert in AI and marketing and engaged her to help us transition effectively. In May 2023, Google announced the beta launch of its new AI Search Generative
More than half of New Zealand’s small business owners say they are optimistic about the future, despite less than half reporting revenue increases over the past year, reports the latest Canstar Small Business survey. The survey of more than 700 business owners, conducted through July and August, found 55 percent were optimistic about the future of their businesses, up from 49 percent last year. Less than half (44 percent) said their revenue had increased over the past year, although that was a significant jump from the previous 12 months. The increase comes as small businesses implement artificial intelligence into their workflow and rely more heavily on online sales. Canstar’s survey gives numerous insights into the ‘mood’ of the small business
Business are increasingly looking at the huge leaps made in digital CX for everyday consumers, and asking how this can revolutionise their operations. 2degrees explains.
New research reveals how Kiwi small business owners and operators are feeling about the use of artificial intelligence in their workplaces, and the impact it’s having on their operations. Despite New Zealand being a country of fast tech-adopters, responses from Kiwi businesses indicate that we may be on the backfoot with incorporating AI into the workplace, with 65% of SMEs stating that they do not yet use it. The survey of 79,000 businesses across five countries – Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the UK – was conducted by Peninsula Group to look at the opportunities and concerns employers have around the use of AI in the workplace. Thirty percent of employers globally cite security risk as their biggest concern
An investment in new chatbot technology has allowed PBT to streamline its communication, improve efficiency and ultimately provide a better customer experience. PBT is a large express courier and freight services business which has operated for more than 50 years in New Zealand, and has 21 branches and 700 employees across the country. Gary Boxall-Hunt, PBT’s National Manager – Customer Experience, says they’re always searching for excellence in customer satisfaction and constantly looking at how the business can make clients even happier by delivering a great customer experience. As a key part of his role, Gary is heavily involved in call monitoring and has listened to hours of calls to identify how the business could improve its customer interactions. Noticing
Mark Gorrie shares 10 steps for business owners looking to significantly boost their defences against the ongoing threat of cyber attacks. As the digital landscape expands, so does the threat of cybercrime, and small and medium businesses (SMBs) are not immune to these risks. Recent statistics reveal a concerning trend – nearly a quarter of SMBs in New Zealand have fallen victim to cyber attacks1, and four in 10 business owners worry they might be the next target within the next year2. Perhaps most alarming is the fact that only 14 percent of small business owners are adequately prepared for a cyber attack3. This lack of preparedness is a costly mistake for many, as SMBs that experience a catastrophic cyber
Upcoming event
Thursday 30 July 2026 | 7:00am – 9:00am
📍 Covert Theatre, 51 Mackelvie Street, Grey Lynn, Auckland
Everyone talks about the importance of business strategy, but what does it actually mean in practice? Strategy trainer Ryan Sproull cuts through the jargon to give SME owners a clear, practical framework for thinking strategically about their business.
Latest issue
Practical AI insights, Kiwi tech innovators, and the tools helping Kiwi SMEs compete on a global stage. It’s all packed into this special tech issue of NZBusiness.
Latest articles
Get practical insights, expert advice, and the latest from New Zealand’s SME community — delivered straight to your inbox in our fortnightly newsletter. Plus, access our latest digital issues anytime.
