We’re about to launch our fourth edition of Digital Skills Aotearoa: Digital Skills in the Age of AI. Our latest research, published this week, finds New Zealand’s growing tech sector needs more advanced digital skills to sustain its momentum. Demand is rising for expertise in AI, cybersecurity, cloud infrastructure and software development. At the same time, fewer learners are moving through key STEM subjects and early-career pathways remain limited.
The report calls for coordinated action from industry, government and education. We need stronger foundations, clearer pathways into digital careers and more opportunities for New Zealanders to take part in the digital economy.
What we’re hearing was reinforced last week when I spoke and moderated a session at APEC workshops on AI adoption by small and medium-sized enterprises in Viet Nam.
The workshops brought together government officials, policymakers and SME leaders from across the APEC region. We explored how more small businesses can access and use AI effectively. Three common barriers came through clearly:
- Skills and confidence to use AI well
- Cost and access to the right tools
- Practical, trusted support to turn interest into action
It was valuable to hear how other APEC economies are helping local businesses gain more value from digital tools and AI. There are useful lessons for New Zealand, and I’ll share more insights soon.
Is your marketing team doing great work?
Nominate them for the Tech Marketer Awards 2026! The awards recognise marketers and teams delivering commercial impact through strategic thinking, creativity, data-driven decision making and outstanding execution.
It’s an opportunity to acknowledge their contribution and showcase the calibre of talent within your organisation. There are awards for individual marketers, emerging talent and campaigns delivered by both lean teams and larger marketing functions. Nominations close on Friday 7 August.
Find out more
Tomorrow: CIO Innovation Summit & Awards
Over two days, New Zealand’s digital leaders will explore practical approaches to AI, trust, delivery, accountability and responsible technology adoption.
We’re proud to support the new Innovation for Impact and Purpose award category. The awards recognises initiatives that deliver meaningful, measurable benefits for people, communities or the environment in Aotearoa New Zealand.
🎉Congratulations to this year’s finalists:
Their work shows how technology can expand access and participation, strengthen inclusion, support sustainability and create better pathways into digital careers. We look forward to meeting the finalists and celebrating the winners tomorrow.
Join Agritech Unleashed Tauranga
Join growers, innovators, researchers and industry leaders on Tuesday 25 August.
Agritech New Zealand’s full-day event will explore how AI, data and automation can support practical autonomy in horticulture. It is a chance to connect with the people shaping agritech across the Bay of Plenty and beyond.
Register
Nominations for BioTech New Zealand close on 13 August. AgriTechNZ’s Annual Meeting is on 13 August and Blockchain Forum NZ’s on 18 August. Attend Tech New Zealand’s online Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday 20 August.
Ngā mihi nui,
Graeme Muller
CEO, Tech New Zealand
Read full news here: Digital skills in the age of AI