New Zealand business leaders are approaching the second half of 2025 with increased confidence, a report from 2degrees has revealed.
This marks the highest level of business optimism since the telco launched its annual Shaping Business Study in 2021.
The study, carried out by the research agency Matter, gathered insights from over 500 business leaders throughout New Zealand between April and May 2025.
According to the report, 45% of business leaders and decision-makers express an optimistic business outlook, a notable increase from 34% in 2024.
“We haven’t seen optimism this high in years, with business owners seeing opportunities to grow and introduce new products and services,” 2degrees chief business officer Andrew Fairgray said.
This positive outlook is attributed to a mix of factors, including business growth (45%), increased customer demand (40%), and enhancements to products, services, and locations (38%).
Furthermore, 65% of the participants reported revenue expectations in the next 12 months, an increase from 53% last year. 19% consider themselves “thriving,” up from 14% in 2022.
52% cited plans to increase their business investment this year. Meanwhile, 69% said they’ve already launched a new product or service recently.
In terms of artificial intelligence and its contribution to productivity, 46% of those surveyed said they’re more productive this year compared to 2024; one in four specifically credit the increase in output to the implementation of AI technologies.
“We’re seeing a clear trend: businesses are backing technology as the path to sharper performance,” Fairgray stated.
Business leaders are also relying on smarter tools rather than getting more staff onboard. Only 19% said they require more people to grow, while 27% said they needed improved technology.
The study has also witnessed a notable change in how companies are addressing digital threats. In 2025, 42% of businesses intend to boost their cybersecurity budgets, compared to 33% the previous year.
While only 16% of businesses describe themselves as “very worried” about a breach—a decrease from 24% in 2023—larger companies continue to be cautious, with 39% maintaining a high level of concern.
Looking forward, Fairgray describes the findings as an encouraging glimpse of an industry that is steadily regaining its momentum.