AI Adoption Surges In NZ Workplaces But Training Fails To Keep Up

Scoop

18 hours ago

New research from recruitment specialists Cultivate and AI advisory NewZealand.AI reveals that while most Aotearoa workers feel optimistic about artificial intelligence (AI), critical gaps in employer support and training could leave many behind as AI adoption accelerates.
The study of 829 white-collar workers, conducted in May 2025, provides a comprehensive view of how AI is impacting New Zealand's workplaces, and what lies ahead.
Drawing on insights from a wide cross-section of industries, functions, and seniority levels, the research highlights that while large-scale disruption is still emerging, AI is already influencing how many workers deliver their roles, transforming processes and lifting productivity.
76% of workers report feeling positive about AI in their roles, driven largely by its power to reduce repetitive tasks and assist with communication, creativity, and information management. That positivity is building, with 62% saying they are more positive about AI today than they were 12 months ago.
Yet this enthusiasm hasn't been matched by formal support, with only 13% of workers saying they've received company-led AI training. Over half have had no training at all. Despite this, 44% of workers are already using AI tools at least daily at work.
'This has been largely a bottom-up adoption story so far' says Tony Pownall, Co-Founder of Cultivate.
'Workers are embracing AI tools to make their jobs easier, but many are doing it without employer-led guidance, safeguards, or structured learning. That presents both a risk and a massive opportunity.'
Among the most used tools are general AI assistants like ChatGPT, Claude and Perplexity (used by 82% of respondents), followed by integrated productivity tools like Copilot and Gemini (53%). However, only 14% reported using custom-built or specialist AI solutions, a further sign that adoption remains largely employee-led rather than organisation-driven.
Attitudes to AI and uptake at work appears consistent across gender, ethnicity, and age. However, those in Professional Services, Information & Communication Technology, and Utilities & Energy sectors were most likely to have integrated AI into their workflows. By role, those in technology, consulting, and marketing functions reported the highest rates of AI use.
Although only 10% of respondents have seen job losses due to AI so far, nearly half (45%) expect their team's headcount to decrease in the next three years. Two-thirds believe at least part of their current role will be automated, and 15% expect their job to disappear entirely.
Casual and temporary workers are already feeling this shift more acutely. They're the most likely to have witnessed AI-related job cuts and to anticipate further reductions. Nearly a quarter expect their entire role to be automated within three years.
'We were surprised to see such optimism given the level of anticipated role change,' says Tony Pownall. 'Our view is that AI users are discovering how AI can remove the mundane and make room for more meaningful, higher value work opportunities. That shift in mindset could be key to navigating what's ahead.'
AI is already reshaping the hiring landscape too. According to the research, 42% of hiring leaders have already adjusted what they look for in candidates, and 60% say they'd pay a premium for demonstrated AI capability.
'Employers aren't just looking for people who can use AI, they want people who can think critically about it,' explains Trina Jones, Co-Founder of Cultivate.
'Our data shows the most valued skill is AI awareness, an understanding of what AI can and can't do in a work context. The top behavioural trait is critical thinking, which is the ability to question AI outputs rather than accept them blindly.'
Responsibility for AI readiness now sits with both employers and workers. While daily AI use is common, nearly a third of workers still use AI monthly or less, and 36% say their organisation is not yet prepared to maximise AI's potential. Lack of time, limited internal capability, and absence of AI champions were cited as the biggest barriers to organisational preparedness.
This signals a significant opportunity, and an urgent need, to close the gap between AI's availability and its effective use.
'This research is a wake-up call for everyone,' says Justin Flitter, Founder of NewZealand.AI. 'AI isn't just coming, it's already transforming how we work. Not knowing where to start is no longer an excuse. Those who succeed will be the ones who act now, by upskilling, experimenting, and embedding AI into daily practice.'
'AI literacy is the new digital literacy,' concludes Jones. 'To stay relevant all workers need to take ownership of their learning and be able to show how they integrate AI safely and creatively, alongside sound judgement.'
About the research
This research was conducted in May 2025 and is based on responses from 829 individuals currently employed in white-collar roles across Aotearoa.
Respondents came from a broad cross-section of industries, functions, and seniority levels.
The survey primarily engaged prior job seekers and hiring managers within Cultivate's network, alongside members of online communities coordinated by Diversity Works, MyCareerBrand, Weave Leadership, and NewZealand.AI.
Data was collected via an online questionnaire, and for clarity, all percentages cited in the findings have been rounded to whole numbers.
Summary of research findings:
'AI at Work: How AI Is Reshaping Roles in Aotearoa'
76% of workers feel positive about AI in the workplace, driven by its ability to reduce admin, assist communication, and support creative tasks.
Only 13% of workers have received any company-led AI training, despite 44% already using AI tools daily.
57% of workers have had no AI training at all.
The most used AI tools are general assistants like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity (used by 82%), followed by productivity tools like Copilot and Gemini (53%).
10% have already witnessed AI-driven job losses in their team, while 45% expect headcount to drop in the next three years.
Two-thirds believe some of their role will be automated, and 15% expect their job to disappear entirely.
Temporary and casual workers are most affected.24% believe their entire role will be automated, and 61% expect their team to shrink.
42% of leaders have adjusted their hiring criteria due to AI, and 60% say they'd pay more for candidates with proven AI capability.
The top skill leaders now value: AI awareness – understanding what AI can and can't do in context (72%).
The top behaviour valued: Critical thinking – the ability to question AI outputs (69%).
Over-reliance on AI without critical analysis is the #1 concern among leaders (70%).
The most cited benefit of AI by leaders is productivity gains through reduced admin and improved service (81%).
36% of workers say their organisation is not yet prepared to maximise the benefits of AI.
The top barriers to organisational readiness: lack of time, internal champions, and confidence in ROI.
About Cultivate
Cultivate is a New Zealand-based recruitment agency specialising in white-collar roles across a range of sectors, including permanent, temporary, and contract placements. Known for its deep industry expertise and inclusive, people-first approach, Cultivate partners with organisations of all sizes, from fast-growing startups to established enterprises, to deliver tailored hiring solutions.
The team is committed to building capable, adaptable and representative workforces, while also helping job seekers find opportunities that align with their skills, values, and career goals.
Cultivate was named SEEK's Medium Recruitment Agency of the Year in 2023 and 2024. Learn more at www.cultivate.co.nz.