Lifting Productivity: How Technology is Powering New Zealand's Future Growth

As we announce 'Lifting Productivity' as a key pillar for Techweek25, we're focusing on a critical question: how can technology help New Zealand businesses work smarter, not just harder? With our economy facing global pressures and local challenges, the answer increasingly lies in smart adoption of digital tools – and artificial intelligence is leading the way.

Recent research from the AI Forum New Zealand reveals an encouraging picture. Far from being a future possibility, AI is already boosting productivity across Aotearoa, with 67% of surveyed organizations now using these technologies. And the results speak for themselves: 96% of businesses using AI report improved worker efficiency, while half are seeing positive impacts on their bottom line.

But what does this look like in practice? Think of AI as a powerful assistant that's helping Kiwi businesses work more effectively. In marketing teams, it's helping create and optimize campaigns. In administration, it's automating routine tasks so people can focus on more valuable work. From design and project management to customer service and finance, AI is helping our workforce do more with less.

The good news? This isn't about replacing people – it's about empowering them. Only 8% of organizations report AI replacing roles, showing that these technologies are primarily being used to augment human capabilities rather than replace them. It's like giving every worker a super-powered toolkit that helps them perform at their best.

Of course, boosting productivity through technology isn't without its challenges. About half of organizations face initial setup costs, and ongoing investments are needed to keep systems running effectively. But businesses are finding that careful planning and strategic implementation can lead to significant returns through operational cost savings and improved efficiency.

At Techweek25, we'll explore how businesses of all sizes can harness technology to lift their productivity:

• What does successful AI implementation look like for different types of organizations?
• How can businesses start small but think big with their technology adoption?
• What skills do teams need to make the most of these new tools?
• How can we ensure technology adoption leads to sustainable productivity gains?

The opportunities are significant. With generative AI tools becoming more accessible and powerful, even small businesses can access capabilities that were once limited to large corporations. But success requires more than just adopting new tools – it needs clear strategy, good governance, and a focus on responsible implementation.

Join us at Techweek25 to discover practical ways to boost your organization's productivity through technology. Whether you're just starting your digital journey or looking to take your tech adoption to the next level, you'll find insights and connections to help you succeed.