However, building trust with AI tools remains a challenge
Artificial intelligence has delivered major gains to work efficiency among employees in New Zealand, according to chief executive officers in the country.
PwC's CEO Survey 2025 revealed that 70% of CEOs in New Zealand said that AI has increased efficiencies in their employees' time at work, significantly higher than in Australia (42%), the Asia-Pacific region (58%), and globally (56%).
More than half of CEOs (55%) also reported that AI increased efficiency in their working time, though this is slightly lower than the 64% who expected gains last 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, Partner, PwC New Zealand, in a statement.
"GenAI is starting to make its mark for organisations that are embracing this technology."
The findings come despite recent findings from KPMG that revealed a low acceptance rate among New Zealanders when it comes to AI. In fact, only 37% of respondents believe that AI is used safely and ethically.
PwC's findings reflect this lack of trust among New Zealand organisations. In fact, only 28% of local CEOs showed a high degree of trust in integrating AI into their business practices.
Less than a third of CEOs are also planning to incorporate AI into their workforce and skills strategies, according to the report.
McLiver said building trust in AI tools will be the key to unlocking the technology's full potential for long-term business success.
"Long-term success will require addressing trust barriers and more deeply embedding AI across workforce and business strategies to transform," he said.
The chief AI officer made the remarks as he underscored the impact of AI in organisations.
"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," he stated.
He echoed the sentiments of HR professionals in New Zealand from a recent ELMO Software report, which found that 95% believe AI will significantly impact their department this year.
"The potential of AI is immense and likely beyond what most of us can even envision. 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," McLiver said.
