New Zealand’s Mid-Sized Businesses Struggling to Unlock AI Productivity Gains

A new MYOB survey reveals that New Zealand's mid-sized firms are struggling to see ROI from AI due to weak foundational pillars like data integration and governance.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 24, 2026, 10:37 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

The Five Pillars of AI Success

According to MYOB executive general manager Paul Voges, the key to unlocking AI’s potential lies in five critical pillars: Processes, Data, AI Strategy, AI Governance, and Workforce Capability. The survey indicates that Australian firms are currently more successful at combining these elements. In New Zealand, many businesses have "solid data but low workforce capability" or "AI tools without appropriate governance," leaving them partially prepared but still heavily constrained.

Barriers to Implementation

The transition to AI-driven operations is being hampered by several persistent hurdles. The data indicates the top barriers for local firms include:

Cybersecurity and Data Privacy: 43% of leaders cited this as their primary concern.

Skills and Change Capacity: 40% struggle with the human element of implementing AI.