Debunking AI Myths in New Zealand and Australia: What Local Businesses Need to Know 

Artificial intelligence, once a buzzword reserved for tech giants and sci-fi fans, has become a daily reality for businesses across the globe. Yet, for many in New Zealand and Australia, AI’s true nature remains shrouded in misunderstanding and hesitation. Despite rapid progress, myths about AI—what it is, what it does, and what it means for the future of local business—persist on both sides of the Tasman. But are those myths holding companies back from seizing growth, efficiency, and innovation? 

Today’s leaders in NZ and Australia are at a crossroads. Awareness of AI’s potential has never been higher, but a mix of local attitudes, skills gaps, and legacy thinking still shapes decision-making. This post cuts through the noise—and spotlights what every Kiwi and Aussie business owner needs to know. 

Myth #1: “AI Is Just for Big Tech Firms” 

Reality: In 2025, AI adoption is mainstream in both countries, transforming everything from agriculture and transport to retail and financial services. In New Zealand, 82% of organisations now use AI in some capacity, a sharp jump from even a year ago. In Australia, nearly 40% of all businesses—led by larger enterprises, but with SMBs swiftly following—are putting AI to practical use. Whether it’s streamlining admin tasks, automating compliance, or offering next-gen customer support, local companies are moving from pilot projects to real, measurable outcomes. 

Myth #2: “AI Will Instantly Replace Human Jobs” 

Reality: It’s a misconception that AI will automatically replace human workers. The real risk isn’t AI replacing people—it’s people who don’t use AI being replaced by those who do. 

According to recent reports, while AI is expected to displace 92 million jobs globally, it’s also projected to create 172 million new roles—many of which will require new, AI-related skills. 

In both Australia and New Zealand, fewer than 10% of businesses say AI has actually replaced any roles. Instead, most companies are leveraging AI to enhance productivity, support stretched teams, and reduce burnout—not eliminate headcount. 

• In New Zealand, businesses view AI as a tool for retention, helping teams maintain quality and performance through smart automation. 

• In Australia, where the tech sector is more mature, AI is being used to bridge skill gaps and upskill workers, not cut jobs. 

Bottom line: AI isn't a threat to jobs—it’s a tool to make people more valuable. Those who embrace it will have the edge in the digital economy. 

Myth #3: “AI Is Too Expensive and Complex for Local Players” 

Reality: Once only accessible to the biggest companies, AI tools are now tailored for SMBs. Solutions have become more affordable and easier to implement. In New Zealand, 71% of companies using AI report clear operational cost savings, and more than half see improved financial performance within a year of adoption. Australian brands—who were initially cautious—are now accelerating their investment, with two-thirds planning to leverage AI for real-time insights and customer personalisation by 2027. 

Local pilots prove that cost barriers are dropping, and more “plug-and-play” options are driving uptake. Small companies can deploy chatbots, automate accounting, or mine data insights without an army of IT specialists. 

Myth #4: “AI Adoption Is the Same in Both Countries” 

Reality: While both Australia and New Zealand lead the Asia Pacific in AI progress, their journeys differ in noteworthy ways: 

• Speed and Scale: NZ’s pace has recently accelerated—jumping from 48% using AI in 2023 to 82% in 2025—driven by economic necessity and digital-first attitudes. Australian businesses, meanwhile, tended to lead with larger-scale enterprise deployments earlier on and enjoy a bigger homegrown AI ecosystem. 

• Mindset and Trust: Surveys reveal New Zealanders are generally more cautious and place greater emphasis on ethical AI, trust, and regulation. Australians, while also concerned, tend to exhibit more optimism and slightly higher risk tolerance. 

• Impact on Productivity: A striking 93% of NZ companies using AI say it has made their people more efficient—a figure well above the 42% of Australian CEOs reporting the same for their own teams. On the other hand, Australia is ahead in leveraging AI for advanced data insights and personalisation at customer touchpoints. 

Myth #5: “Most Workers Oppose AI” 

Reality: The biggest barrier isn’t worker resistance but lack of training and skills. In New Zealand, just 24% of the workforce has any formal AI education—one of the lowest rates globally. Yet support for AI is growing as businesses demonstrate positive results, build trust, and offer upskilling opportunities. The pattern is similar in Australia: when staff are included in AI rollouts and see practical benefits, confidence and acceptance soar. 

Myth #6: “It’s Too Late to Catch Up” 

Reality: Both Kiwi and Aussie businesses are on the cusp of a new wave of AI innovation. Affordable tech, public and private investment, and government-backed skill programs mean it’s the perfect moment for even the smallest firm to jump in. The vast majority of local leaders have made AI a top investment priority for 2025 and beyond. 

Despite AI’s remarkable growth in New Zealand and Australia, real-world implementation can still face hurdles—ranging from data integration and skills shortages to navigating ethical considerations and legacy processes. These stumbling blocks can seem formidable, especially for small and medium businesses lacking dedicated AI teams or established digital strategies.  

But there’s no need for concern: businesses like Quanton are here to help local organisations at every stage of their AI journey. With deep expertise, proven frameworks, and a practical, partnership-driven approach, Quanton empowers Kiwi and Aussie businesses to bridge the skills gap, unlock value, and transform AI ambitions into everyday operational excellence