Kiwi Workers Positive On Ai, But Employer Support Falls Short

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New research conducted by recruitment experts Cultivate and AI advisory firm New Zealand.AI offers a deeper look at the impact of AI on New Zealand’s workplaces and what the future may hold.

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According to the research, 76% express a positive outlook on AI in their roles, largely because of its ability to minimise repetitive tasks and support communication, creativity, and information management.

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62% stated they feel more positive about AI now compared to a year ago.

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However, only 13% of workers reported receiving company-led AI training, while more than half have had no training at all. Despite this lack of formal instruction, 44% of employees are already using AI tools at least daily in their work.

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“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,” Cultivate co-founder Tony Pownall said.

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Most-used AI tools

General AI assistants such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity are among the most commonly used tools, with 82% of respondents reporting their use.  53% said they use integrated productivity tools like Copilot and Gemini, while only 14% said they utilise custom-built or specialist AI solutions.

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AI-related job losses and recruitment

10% of respondents have experienced job losses linked to AI to date. However, nearly half (45%) anticipate a reduction in their team’s headcount within the next three years.

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Two-thirds of workers believe that some portion of their current role will be automated, while 15% expect their entire job to be eliminated.

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Casual and temporary workers are the most likely to have experienced AI-related job losses and to foresee additional cuts. Almost one in four expect their entire role to be automated within the next three years.

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Regarding recruitment, 42% of hiring leaders have already modified their candidate criteria, and 60% indicate they are willing to offer higher pay for proven AI skills.

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“Employers aren’t just looking for people who can use AI; they want people who can think critically about it,” Cultivate co-founder Trina Jones said.

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“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.”

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Meanwhile, Justin Flitter, founder of NewZealand.AI, described the research as “a wake-up call for everyone.”

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“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.”

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The research, conducted in May 2025, is based on responses from 829 individuals currently working in white-collar positions throughout New Zealand.

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Data were gathered through an online questionnaire, with all percentages reported in the findings having been rounded to the nearest whole number.

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Read full article here.

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