New Zealand CEOs are reporting stronger productivity gains from AI than their counterparts across the globe. According to PwC’s 2025 CEO Survey, 70% said artificial intelligence had made their workforce more efficient—significantly higher than Australia’s 42% and the global average of 56%.
New Zealand CEOs Lead the Way in AI-Driven Productivity
The findings place New Zealand ahead of Australia, where only 42% of CEOs noted improved efficiency, and the broader Asia-Pacific region at 58%.
The impact isn’t limited to frontline workers either. More than half of New Zealand CEOs (55%) said AI had boosted their own productivity, although that number fell short of the 64% who had expected such gains in the previous year.
“Like many new technologies, initial hype has often exceeded the practical implementation, but the broader story now is absolutely one of meaningful progress,” said Scott McLiver, Chief AI Officer and Partner at PwC New Zealand. “GenAI is starting to make its mark for organisations that are embracing this technology.”
Adoption Accelerates While Trust Remains a Critical Challenge
Public and executive scepticism is casting a shadow over AI adoption in New Zealand. KPMG reports that only 37% of the public believe AI is being used safely and ethically. That caution is echoed in the boardroom—PwC’s survey found just 28% of CEOs have high trust in AI integration, and fewer than one in three are planning to incorporate AI into their workforce strategies. McLiver said, “Long-term success will require addressing trust barriers and more deeply embedding AI across workforce and business strategies to transform.”
Embedding AI as a Business Imperative
The outlook for AI in business is ambitious, even as trust gaps remain. Scott McLiver of PwC New Zealand urged companies to move quickly: “There is little doubt that AI will change every layer of business in the coming decade, so getting started is key to remaining competitive and being fit for the future.”
HR leaders appear aligned with this message. A report by ELMO Software, cited by PwC, shows that 95% of New Zealand’s HR professionals anticipate significant AI-driven changes in 2025.
“The potential of AI is immense and likely beyond what most of us can even envision,” McLiver said. “We are entering a period where human intelligence will likely be exceeded by advanced AI, but its impact for businesses will largely depend on how we act now.”
The impact of AI in New Zealand is undeniable—productivity is rising, but confidence is not. Experts agree: building trust and aligning AI with business strategy will be key to future success.