How AI is Shaping New Zealand’s Industries — and Why It’s Time to Upskill Now
After reading the World Economic Forum's Jobs of Tomorrow: Large Language Models and Jobs white paper, I found myself thinking: What does this mean for my next 5 years as a consultant in data, AI, and change management here in New Zealand? I keep hearing warning bells, but how do I not just keep up with this rapid change, but actually stay ahead of it? A failure to plan is a plan to fail, right?
So, I dug into how AI and automation are already shaking up our industries. With a bit of a local twist, I mapped out the NZ industries most exposed to these changes, and the visual below shows how global trends are playing out here in New Zealand. What’s striking (and a little terrifying) is that industries like finance, insurance, information media and telecommunications, and professional, scientific, technical, administrative, and support services are likely to transform almost 50% of their tasks due to AI in the next 5 years. This is happening way faster than most of us realise.
The Future of Work in NZ AI Automation Augmentation
In my work with data, AI, and behavioural change management, I’m already seeing these shifts being baked into corporate strategies for 2030. Companies are scrambling to get leaner and more efficient, and AI is undeniably at the core of that transformation. From DeepSeek’s cost saving breakthroughs to the explosion of AI-driven tools, the pace of change is borderline whiplash-inducing. I still remember when ChatGPT was a “research preview” just over two years ago. Things are moving that fast.
Here’s the reality, though: While automation is gobbling up some tasks entirely, AI-driven augmentation is giving us the chance to work smarter, not harder—focusing on higher-value work. Sure, let’s be real: some jobs will be lost as AI takes over routine, repetitive tasks. But rather than fearing it, we should be inspired by the possibilities ahead—and start preparing for what’s coming.
Upskilling is crucial, and the time to start is now. I’d recommend diving into online courses from:
YouTube (free tutorials for all skill levels)
The future is already happening, and we’ve got two choices: get left behind or lead the charge. As Ursula K. Le Guin wisely said, "The future is an infinite succession of presents. What we choose to do today is what matters most." So, today—find a course relevant to your industry, and hover over the industry to get the OECD – Future of Work and Skills areas to upskill to get started.
So check out the visual to see where your industry stands!