New Zealand (NZ) stories

A “speed dating” style Earn as You Learn scheme linking paid factory work and study is to expand nationwide after a strong Waikato trial.

Australian businesses are tipped to treat AI like human staff by 2026, tightening control of machine identities and data risks.

Castles Technology has opened a Melbourne hub as its Pacific headquarters, targeting fast-growing Android payments across Australia and NZ.

Enterprises ditch paper and patchwork systems for integrated, predictive asset platforms as digital transformation becomes imperative.

Crypto fans pen a festive wishlist to Santa, hoping 2026 brings calmer markets, clearer rules and fewer awkward family debates.

Continental taps Rohit Markan to spearhead Asia Pacific industrial growth as it readies ContiTech spin-off and targets regional expansion.

Rockwell Automation secures Great Place To Work status in 14 Asia Pacific markets, with 80% of staff calling it a great workplace.

2degrees has begun shutting down 3G on around 100 rural NZ sites, urging remaining users of older devices to upgrade to 4G or 5G.

ChatGPT has swept Apple’s 2025 app charts in Australia, topping both free iPhone and iPad download lists as AI tools surge in popularity.

Australian and New Zealand firms rapidly adopt agentic AI, now demanding real ROI and robust governance for sustainable, scaled deployment.

Asia Pacific firms are urged to prioritise real-time, high-quality data and robust governance to unlock AI's full potential and avoid costly errors.

ChatGPT tops Apple’s 2025 app charts in New Zealand, as AI tools, social media, streaming and mobile games dominate downloads.

NZTech has rebranded as Tech New Zealand, uniting 16 tech Communities and the wider Tech Alliance under one national ecosystem voice.

Spotify is testing an AI-style Prompted Playlist tool in New Zealand, letting Premium users spin up mixes using everyday written prompts.

Most Australians and New Zealanders back AI to boost Triple Zero and 111 call handling, though doubts remain over agencies’ data use.

DXC launches AdvisoryX to help enterprises scale AI, as 94% struggle to move beyond pilots and build coherent business cases.

Human-linked cyber incidents have surged 90% as AI embeds deeper in workplaces, with security leaders warning of rising email and deepfake attacks.

Tasfreight rolls out OneAdvanced’s cloud workforce platform to scrap paper-based rostering and streamline operations across Australia.

In 2026, agile AI, sovereign data, subscriptions and energy efficiency will redefine how ANZ businesses grow, compete and stay resilient.

ASUS and ASI Solutions will deliver over 8,500 rugged Flip/Touch Chromebooks to ACT public schools in a major 2026 hardware refresh.