Latest news with #Cultivate
Scoop
3 days ago
- Business
- Scoop
AI Adoption Surges In NZ Workplaces But Training Fails To Keep Up
New research from recruitment specialists Cultivate and AI advisory 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 '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 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
Powys County Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Powys County Times
National Lottery backs local bread making course in Newtown
People have been gaining confidence in their baking skills by getting stuck in to a cookery course funded by the National Lottery. Cultivate, a community food co-operative based in Newtown, was recently awarded £337,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund for a new project called 'Get Growing, Get Cooking, Get Skills'. One of the key aims of the project is to work with people from across Newtown and Welshpool to give them the skills and confidence to cook fresh food from scratch. In partnership with Newtown College, part of the Neath Port Talbot Group of Colleges, Cultivate hosted a bread-making course with NPTC teaching the course in their own kitchens at the Newtown site. Participants were also asked what additional cooking courses they would like to take part in, and these included baking with different flours, batch cooking and preserving, and Mediterranean foods. Sue Lloyd-Jones, Head of School Catering, Hospitality and Agriculture across the NPTC Group, said: 'It was wonderful to see so many enthusiastic cooks learning to cook using our fabulous local produce.' Erika Jones, catering lecturer, added: 'A great opportunity to work with some lovely local produce – the end product was amazing – well done all the students.' Nick Burdekin, North Powys Sustainable Food Places Co-ordinator for Cultivate, added: 'A huge thank you to Neath Port Talbot College and Erika and Sue for hosting this course and for everyone who came along and took part. 'We know from feedback that participants' confidence levels to use what they had learnt to bake and cook at home has gone up considerably, and that everyone would like to take part in more cooking courses. 'We look forward to working with the college to put on additional cooking courses.'
02-06-2025
- Entertainment
Candace Parker on her new book 'The Can-Do Mindset'
The WNBA star shares her advice for living with purpose in her new book, "The Can-Do Mindset: How to Cultivate Resilience, Follow Your Heart, and Fight for Your Passions."
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Yahoo
5 suspects linked to transnational organized crime ring arrested in Fontana: Police
IRVINE, Calif. - Five suspects believed to be part of a transnational organized crime ring following a residential burglary on Easter Sunday were arrested in Fontana, according to the Irvine Police Department. An investigation linked the suspects to multiple other burglaries in Southern California. What we know On Sunday, April 20, Irvine police officers responded to a call from a resident on Cultivate reporting unknown individuals inside their home, as seen on surveillance footage. At the scene, officers found the residence ransacked and discovered that designer purses, shoes, and jewelry had been stolen. No suspects were found inside at the time. An officer on the perimeter spotted a suspicious vehicle leaving the area and stopped the driver, who claimed to be a food delivery driver but could not provide a delivery address. A search of the vehicle revealed suspicious items, leading to the arrest of the driver, 24-year-old Jhon Osorioarias from Fontana, for being unlicensed. Dig deeper IPD detectives' investigation linked Osorioarias to an organized burglary crew involved in other burglaries throughout Southern California. On May 15, Osorioarias and his alleged accomplices were arrested in Fontana in an operation involving the IPD drone team, Real Time Crime Center, and detectives. The other individuals arrested were identified as Jesus Hernandezchavez, 42, Fontana; John Fredy Sanabria, 42, Fontana; Duber Salarte, 48, Fontana; and Isneidy Ortiz Valencia, 29, Colton. All five suspects were booked at the Orange County Jail on various charges, including burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, and possession of narcotics. Search warrants were served in Fontana and Colton, resulting in the collection of evidence linking the group to the Irvine residential burglary. What we don't know The specific details of the "transnational organized crime ring" and its international connections have not been disclosed. Officials did not specify the exact nature and quantity of narcotics found in their possession. The full extent of the other burglaries throughout Southern California that the crew is believed to be involved in is still under investigation. It is unclear if all the stolen items from the Irvine residence have been recovered. What's next The investigation is ongoing, and detectives are still sorting through the evidence collected from the search warrants. More charges could be added against the arrested individuals as the investigation progresses. What you can do Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Jeff Hause at 949-724-7085 or via email at jhause@ The Source Information for this story is provided by the Irvine Police Department.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
WV Cultivate sunsets on the City of Fairmont
FAIRMONT — With The West Virginia Community Development Hub's direct involvement now at an end, it's now on Cultivate-Fairmont participants to keep pushing forward. Cultivate-Fairmont met one last time with its mini-grant awardees Thursday evening. Cultivate had $40,000 in mini-grants to hand out, in the end Fairmont produced 24 different projects to enrich the community. The group met to go over the progress from the past year and hear advice on how to keep their projects and community involvement alive now that the organization responsible for bringing the Fairmont community together is departing and heading to another town that needs them. 'It has been fantastic,' Tom Jackson, treasurer of Fairmont Pride, said. 'The best part for me is hearing feedback from other communities, what happened there, and seeing pictures of how it went from this to this. Also, the way the funds were creatively used. It makes me want to go to those towns that this happens in and visit just to see it.' Fairmont Pride's is using its mini-grant to purchase what he called evergreen items such as tents, banners and outdoor oversized games. Those would not only be used during Fairmont Pride events this year, but would also function as a repository for useful outdoor equipment for any other community group who needs it for their own event as well. The City of Fairmont applied for the Cultivate WV program last May as a way to also expand the number of people who engage in community development. While there is a core of active residents who make it a point to do their part in civil society, the city also wanted to expand that core group and bring in new faces. City Assistant Planner Erin Hager said the program, from that standpoint, was a success. In total, 144 people engaged with Cultivate throughout the year in one way or other. Olivia McConnell, Cultivate community coaching assistant, said aside from funding 24 projects with $40,000 in grant funds, Fairmont also received an additional $19,000 in matching funds. Predevelopment for one long term project brought in $10,000 in pre-development funding. In total, the Fairmont community will receive $69,000 in funding. The benefits of the program became apparent in real time after one person made a request for volunteers for a project. 'The Clean up Marion County project, someone said like, how are you going to get volunteers and like five different people raised their hands and said, you could do this, you could do that. It's just been really cool to see folks make the connections themselves,' Hager said. City Manager Travis Blosser said the city is considering picking up where Cultivate left off. For starters, the city wants to keep the monthly meetings going. They're also figuring out if they can move enough pieces to get minigrant funding to fit into the city budget. The idea is but a glimmer in city staffer's eyes, but they are thinking about how to do it, Blosser said. He added what the city could to make available funding wise that may not be the size or scope of the Cultivate grants, so the city would have to be selective. But also, mini-grant funded projects could be a really good way to gauge what kind of investments the community wants to see in their neighborhoods. 'The young lady who is looking at having a little community library, that could be something that gets invested in and then goes gangbusters,' Blosser said. 'And we hear from people who are like, 'well, I want one in my community.' That would move us to look at investing in those areas. That tells us as a city, our constituents want this.'
