Message from the tech frontlines: Stop your blabbing, get to building

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This is an opinion post from Craig Young, TUANZ CEO, published in The Sunday Star Times on 3 May 2026.

We all know that technology has the power to make Aotearoa New Zealand a better place. When we get it right, digital innovation boosts our local businesses, connects our communities, and makes our everyday lives easier and more productive. We’ve got some amazing foundations to be proud of—like the world-class communications networks connecting our homes and our mostly renewable energy grid. But right now, we are sitting at a crossroads.

For the past six years at TUANZ (Tech Users NZ), we’ve taken the pulse of the nation’s technology leaders. To pull together our latest report, Aotearoa’s Digital Priorities 2026, I personally sat down and interviewed dozens of the country’s top digital leaders, from major corporate CIOs to leading tech experts. The aim of this report is simple: to find out what is working, what is holding us back, and what we need to focus on to ensure no New Zealander misses out on the digital future.

What I heard from these leaders was an inspiring belief in what we can achieve, but it was mixed with a heavy dose of frustration. While our global peers are racing ahead, we are at risk of drifting. When I asked these experts about the government’s recent leadership in technology, the responses were pretty blunt—many called it a “talk fest” that looks good on paper but lacks real execution.

With an election year upon us, it is time to turn our digital ambitions into national action. Our tech leaders have laid out five very clear things they want the incoming Government to tackle to get us back into the top tier of digital nations:

Set firm rules to keep us safe online. Right now, our cyber security landscape is a bit too much “carrot” and not enough “stick”. With the rise of AI-driven scams and deepfakes, businesses and everyday Kiwis are exposed. Leaders are asking the government to step up as a shield, looking for mandatory, non-negotiable cyber security standards and a central system to vet international tech vendors so our data stays safe.

Teach digital skills and keep our local talent. We are losing too many of our bright young minds overseas. At the same time, AI is starting to automate the basic, entry-level office jobs that we traditionally used to train our junior staff. To fix this, the government needs to lead a massive push for digital literacy, embedding AI and tech skills into everything from our primary schools to adult learning programs. We have to build a workforce that is ready for tomorrow.

Modernise government tech and create a digital identity. Our leaders are highly frustrated by how fragmented the government’s own technology systems are. We need to aggressively consolidate these separate systems to make things run smoother. Most importantly, it is time to finally implement a secure, national digital identity framework. Having a safe, centralised digital ID will help prevent fraud and make doing business as well as accessing public services so much easier for everyone.

Create a long-term plan that survives elections. Technology doesn’t work on a three-year political cycle. If businesses are going to invest millions into new ideas, they need certainty. Our leaders are desperately calling for a cohesive, bipartisan national tech strategy, especially around artificial intelligence and data, that all sides of politics agree on and stick to.

Invest in the hard infrastructure so no one is left behind. Finally, we can’t have a digital revolution without the physical power to run it. The government needs to continue to invest in our core infrastructure, like ensuring our energy grids can actually power the massive global data centres being built here. This is about making sure that as technology advances, all our communities, both urban and rural, have the foundation they need to thrive.

The message from the tech frontlines is overwhelmingly positive about our potential, but clear about the need for action. We have the tools, the talent, and the infrastructure to be a world-leading digital economy. Now, we just need the national leadership to make it happen.

TUANZ launches 2026 Digital Priorities Report, warning of growing innovation gap for New Zealand

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The Technology Users Association of New Zealand (TUANZ) today released its 2026 Digital Priorities Report, highlighting that New Zealand is at a pivotal technological crossroads, with strong digital foundations at risk of being undermined by slowing adoption and widening global competition.

(You can read the full report here)

The sixth annual report, delivered in partnership with One NZ includes insights from interviews with nearly 30 CIOs and CTOs from major enterprises or public sector organisations around Aotearoa.

Despite maintaining world-class fibre infrastructure and a reputation for sound digital governance, the report finds New Zealand’s overall technology adoption has plateaued, with digital leaders rating progress at just six out of ten. This stagnation comes as other nations accelerate their digital transformation efforts, creating a widening innovation gap.

Shift from AI experimentation to pragmatism

The 2026 Digital Priorities Report highlights a decisive shift in how organisations approach emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). Kiwi organisations are moving away from experimental use cases toward practical, high-volume applications embedded within existing platforms to deliver measurable returns on investment.

However, this evolution has introduced new challenges. “AI is no longer a future concept, it’s operational today in many large businesses around Aotearoa,” said Craig Young, Chief Executive Officer at TUANZ. “But while it acts as a powerful workforce multiplier, it is also intensifying the deep-tech talent shortage and reshaping how skills are developed.”

A key concern identified by tech leaders is the “ladder-pulling” effect, where AI automates entry-level tasks traditionally used to train junior staff, potentially disrupting the pipeline of future talent.

Rising risks: Shadow AI, costs, and cybersecurity

The report also points to a surge in “Shadow AI”, unsanctioned tools used within organisations, which has contributed to recent data breaches and heightened security

risks. The report warns that AI systems must now be treated as digital employees, governed by strict zero-trust security frameworks.

At the same time, organisations are under mounting economic pressure. Escalating software licensing and cloud costs are driving a shift from “cloud-first” to more strategic “cloud-smart” approaches, while fragmented and poor-quality data continues to hinder transformation efforts.

One NZ has again collaborated with TUANZ on the report and its Chief Information Officer, Adrian Albuquerque was one of the interviewees. He comments, “Digital transformation is a key enabler for many organisations – however in a cost constrained environment, many technology teams are grappling with how to drive value while also investing in new capabilities and tools. Strategic deployment of AI is imperative for New Zealand to continue maturing our digital economy.”

Global standing slips amid domestic challenges

New Zealand’s position in the global digital landscape is also under strain, with the country dropping to 23rd in the 2025 Network Readiness Index. While strengths remain in areas such as e-commerce regulation and inclusive governance, the nation lags in individual digital usage and faces persistent cybersecurity threats.

Nearly half of large businesses reported experiencing a cyberattack in the past year, with AI-driven social engineering tactics, including deepfakes and voice cloning, becoming increasingly sophisticated.

Albuquerque adds, “As New Zealand’s telco, our internal teams and customers are fighting what feels like a constant ‘whack a mole’ within our current cybersecurity reality. AI tools are both helpful and a hindrance with regards to scams and fraud, and it can feel like a never-ending battle to stay ahead of sophisticated bad actors. To better tackle this growing issue, organisations must adopt an identity-first, zero trust approach, and government must step up to meet this effort with consistent, mandatory, cybersecurity and data protection standards.”

Call for National Leadership and Digital Action

The report delivers a clear message: stronger national coordination and leadership are urgently needed. Key recommendations from TUANZ when drawing insights from tech leaders include:

● The introduction of mandatory, non-negotiable cybersecurity standards

● Establishment of a national digital clearing house to vet global technology vendors

● Government-led workforce development programmes to build AI capability

● Accelerated progress on a secure national digital identity framework

● Recognition of data platforms as critical national infrastructure

“New Zealand has the foundations to succeed, but without decisive action, we risk falling further behind,” said Young. “This is a moment for bold leadership, to stabilise businesses, invest in people, and build the governance frameworks needed for a high-productivity digital future.”

(You can read the full report here)

Securing Aotearoa’s digital lifeblood – our critical infrastructure – from cyber attack.

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At TUANZ, we recently submitted our formal response to the government’s 2026 Enhancing the Cyber Security of New Zealand’s Critical Infrastructure System discussion document regarding the enhancement of our critical infrastructure.

The Big Picture: Why This Matters Now

Digital connectivity is no longer just a convenience; it is the “lifeblood” of our economy and society. However, we have entered a new era of sophisticated, AI-driven threats and large-scale social engineering. For our infrastructure to be truly resilient, we believe the government must shift from a reactive “user beware” strategy to one of proactive leadership.

Our submission highlights three core themes that we believe are essential for a safer digital Aotearoa:

  • Closing the Cyber Equity Gap: There is a dangerous divide in resilience between large corporations and SMEs. We are advocating for a framework that protects all users, not just those with the deepest pockets.
  • Moving Beyond Voluntary Guidance: Fragmented and voluntary initiatives are no longer enough. To achieve true national security, we need enforceable standards and coordinated strategy.
  • Reducing the Burden on the User: It is unrealistic to expect individual vigilance to stop structurally embedded threats. We believe the state should ensure a safe digital environment just as it provides physical safety through roads and policing.

Bridging the Gaps

While we support the government’s direction, we also pointed out what is currently missing; specifically the need for a “Lifespan Human Firewall”. Cyber resilience isn’t just about technical patches; it’s about empowering people where they live and work through education and community support.

We also raised concerns about transparency. If a user’s data is compromised by a critical provider, that user has a right to be notified directly, rather than the information remaining solely with government agencies.

New Zealand’s prosperity depends on a digital environment where trust and safety are guaranteed, not optional. As your independent advocate, TUANZ remains committed to working alongside the government to ensure this new framework serves the interests of every technology user in Aotearoa.

You can read our full submission here.

The hidden cost of scaling AI

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A guest blog post from Shannon Harris, Managing director of HP New Zealand

Artificial intelligence is moving rapidly from experimentation into everyday use. What began as pilots and proofs of concept is now embedded in how people write, analyse information, collaborate and make decisions at work. For many organisations, the conversation has shifted from whether to adopt AI, to how it can be scaled in a way that is effective and sustainable over time.

The more useful AI becomes, the harder it is to control the cost of running it. As AI becomes woven into daily operations, the challenge for leaders is no longer access to capability, but whether it can be run at scale without compromising performance, security or control. This is where AI moves from being a technology discussion to an economic one.

When scale changes the equation

Much of today’s AI relies on the cloud, with costs tied directly to usage. Every interaction, whether it is a prompt, a document summary or an automated workflow, consumes processing power. Individually, these interactions feel small and inexpensive. But when multiplied across hundreds or thousands of employees, those costs can grow quickly and unpredictably.

This is not a flaw in the technology, but a reflection of how valuable and widely used it has become.

There is a well-established principle in economics known as the Jevons Paradox, which says that when something becomes more efficient and easier to use, overall consumption tends to increase rather than decrease. In other words, the challenge shifts from what AI can do, to what it costs to run at scale.

As models improve and access becomes more seamless, usage accelerates. Even as the cost per interaction falls, total spend continues to rise. More efficient AI, in practice, does not automatically translate into cheaper outcomes.

At the same time, expectations of AI are changing. It is no longer viewed as an occasional tool, but as something that should be immediate, responsive and always available. When AI becomes part of everyday work, delays feel more noticeable, trust matters more, and tolerance for friction drops quickly. Systems that rely entirely on sending data back and forth to the cloud start to feel the strain, particularly as AI moves from experimentation to everyday reliance.

The future of AI at the Edge

This is why we are beginning to see a shift towards intelligence running closer to where work actually happens. Advances in hardware, software optimisation and model design mean that AI capabilities once reserved for data centres can now operate directly on modern devices. This is often referred to as AI at the Edge, but the idea itself is simple: put intelligence where it is used most.

The implications for businesses are significant. Running AI on-device reduces reliance on recurring cloud compute for high-frequency tasks, while improving responsiveness through real-time processing. It also strengthens privacy and security by keeping sensitive data local, which is increasingly important in regulated environments. Perhaps most importantly, it makes AI more economically sustainable as usage grows, allowing organisations to scale capability without a corresponding surge in ongoing costs.

This shift is not about replacing the cloud, but about designing a hybrid future where intelligence runs in the right place for the right task. Some workloads will continue to benefit from centralised cloud processing, while others are better suited to being handled locally. Designing for that balance requires a different mindset from leaders.

AI strategy needs to factor in long-term cost, scalability and trust from the outset. The organisations that succeed will be those that ask not only what AI can do, but how often it will be used, by whom, and at what cost over time. They will consider not just the power of a model, but how it fits into everyday work without introducing friction, risk or unsustainable expense.

At HP, we are seeing this shift clearly in our conversations with customers and partners. AI is becoming part of the fabric of work, and that means it needs to be efficient, secure and built to last. Bringing more intelligence onto the device is a critical part of making that possible, particularly as organisations look to embed AI more deeply across their workforce.

The next phase of AI will be shaped by smarter deployment decisions, and leadership that understands how the economics of AI matter as much as innovation itself.

Investing in Your Digital Future: New Education Offerings from TUANZ

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At TUANZ, our “Education to Employment” mission is simple: ensuring every New Zealander can thrive in a digitally connected world. To help our members stay ahead of the curve, we are officially launching our first suite of curated education offerings.

We have partnered with the Skills Development Group to provide members with access to expert-led training designed for measurable business uplift. Whether you are looking to master AI or sharpen leadership skills, these courses are built to bridge the gap between education and the workforce.

Exclusive Member Benefits

To support your growth, we’ve negotiated exclusive discounts for the TUANZ community:

  • 10% off individual courses with code: TUANZ10

  • 20% off bookings of 3+ people with code: TUANZ20

Curated for You

While the full catalogue is extensive, we’ve highlighted several key areas to get you started:

  • AI & Ethics: Practical frameworks for leaders and teams to implement AI confidently.

  • Leadership & Self-Development: Building emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and agile leadership.

  • Specialist Skills: Focused training in Finance Fundamentals and Sales Performance.

This is just the start of our journey to provide you with the tools needed for a digital-first economy. Explore the full range and register your interest on our dedicated page.

Explore TUANZ Education here

Making a Difference: Te Ara Hihiko wins Supreme Award at 2025 NZ Compare Awards

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The Technology Users Association of New Zealand (TUANZ) is proud to announce that Te Ara Hihiko, its flagship equity-and-inclusion initiative, has been awarded the 2025 NZ Compare Supreme Award in the Making a Difference category. The award recognises organisations effecting real and lasting social impact, and this year the judges selected Te Ara Hihiko for its outstanding contribution to digital equity for Māori and Pasifika across Aotearoa.

“This award shines a spotlight on the critical importance of digital inclusion, diversity, and cultural equity in our industry,” says Megan Matthews, Chair and Programme Lead for Te Ara Hihiko.

“Building a sustainable tech sector in Aotearoa is not only about infrastructure or services,  it’s fundamentally about people, opportunity and social justice. When we create genuine pathways for Māori and Pasifika talent, we strengthen the entire industry and ensure our digital future truly represents all New Zealanders.”

“On behalf of the entire Te Ara Hihiko team, I would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to NZ Compare, the judges and everyone who has contributed to this mahi. This achievement belongs especially to our Māori and Pasifika participants and all our supporters who have championed this kaupapa from the beginning.”

Te Ara Hihiko, (pathway of energy and inspiration) is TUANZ’s programme to create equitable and culturally inclusive pathways into the digital sector for Māori and Pasifika. Through a series of in-person hui, collaboration with member organisations, cultural advisors, HR specialists and senior business leaders, Te Ara Hihiko addresses systemic barriers at every stage.

“Te Ara Hihiko’s win is more than just an award, it is an important milestone for equity in the New Zealand tech industry,” says Craig Young, CEO of TUANZ.

“We believe that opportunity should reflect Aotearoa’s diversity. This recognition will help amplify voices that are too often unheard, and encourage real systems change across the sector.”

With this recognition, TUANZ and Te Ara Hihiko are committed to deepening this kaupapa: expanding engagement, strengthening partnerships across the digital sector, and continuing to dismantle barriers so that Māori and Pasifika talent can thrive from rangatahi through to senior leadership roles.

“This award validates the hard work of so many people who have contributed to Te Ara Hihiko, but more importantly, it signals to the entire tech sector that equity and inclusion must be central to how we build our digital future,” says Craig.

“We’re energised to continue this mahi and grateful for the recognition that will help us reach even more rangatahi and organisations committed to meaningful change.”

For further information or interview requests, please contact:

Megan Matthews
Programme Lead, Te Ara Hihiko
Phone: 021 1121 523
Email: megan.matthews.nz@gmail.com

About Te Ara Hihiko
Te Ara Hihiko is TUANZ’s flagship programme dedicated to creating equitable pathways for Māori and Pasifika into New Zealand’s digital sector. Through collaboration, cultural inclusivity, and systems change, the initiative works to ensure the tech industry reflects the diversity of Aotearoa. The core aims of Te Ara Hihiko are to:

  • Raise awareness of the breadth of opportunities in New Zealand’s digital economy.
  • Provide clear, accessible pathways for rangatahi (young people) to enter digital roles.
  • Challenge and reform hiring and induction practices to be culturally appropriate, inclusive, and supportive of Māori and Pasifika staff.
  • Ensure fair and equitable opportunities for long-term growth and development once in the workforce.

Learn more: https://tuanz.org.nz/te-ara-hihiko/

About TUANZ
As the independent technology user’s association for Aotearoa, TUANZ aims to build on its history of leading and achieving positive change. Our goal is to mobilise users across all parts of society and the economy, ensuring they are aware of the opportunities and upcoming developments in technology. 
Learn more about TUANZ and explore our current work programme here: www.tuanz.org.nz

Shaping Aotearoa’s future together

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The Tech Users Summit returns for 2025! Co-hosted by the Digital Health Association (DHA) and TUANZ, this flagship event brings together two influential networks with a shared goal: to advance digital technology as essential infrastructure for modern life.

This year’s theme, Digital as Core Infrastructure, recognises a pivotal moment for New Zealand. While roads, energy, and water have long been seen as the backbone of our society, digital systems are now just as essential. Broadband, connectivity, digital health platforms, and smart services are the new threads connecting our people, communities, and institutions. Together they help enable better decisions, faster responses, and stronger outcomes in every sector.

The 2025 summit explores the digital challenges and opportunities shaping our future, with a programme focused on topics that matter most:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI): Delving into opportunities, risks, and ethics in both health and business.
  • Security & Safety: Addressing cybersecurity for data and enterprise, and safeguarding all New Zealanders online.
  • The Talent Gap: Strategies for building a diverse, future-ready digital workforce.

Expect inspiring keynote speakers, dynamic breakouts, and networking designed for genuine cross-sector collaboration. By joining forces, TUANZ and DHA are accelerating digital impact, creating a unique platform where digital tools meet real-world outcomes.

Now is the time to help shape a national vision for digital. Whether you’re a TUANZ or DHA member—or simply passionate about New Zealand’s digital future, your voice matters. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and lead as we ensure technology empowers every person, business, and community.

Learn more and secure your place >> Tech Users Summit 2025

Why should digital be a core infrastructure for Aotearoa?

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In today’s world, digital technology is more than just a tool, it’s the backbone of modern society. As New Zealand continues its rapid digital transformation, it’s clear that digital is not just an add-on, but an essential infrastructure, as critical as our roads, energy and water systems.

Digital infrastructure underpins how we work, connect, learn and access vital services. From telehealth appointments to secure online banking, cloud-based business systems that keep our economy running, digital technology is woven into the fabric of everyday life. When digital systems are robust, everyone benefits: businesses are more resilient, government services are more accessible, and communities can better respond to challenges and opportunities.

But treating digital as core infrastructure is also about ensuring equity. Reliable internet, digital skills, and access to technology shouldn’t be a privilege, they are basic requirements for full participation in modern society. By investing in digital infrastructure, New Zealand can close the digital divide, boost productivity, and empower innovation across every sector, from healthcare and education to business and government.

That’s why this year’s Tech Users Summit 2025 is themed “Digital as Core Infrastructure.” We’re bringing together leaders, innovators, and decision-makers from across Aotearoa to explore how digital infrastructure is reshaping our future and what we must do to ensure everyone can thrive in a connected world.

Join us on 10 September 2025 at the Grand Millennium Hotel, Auckland, to be part of this crucial conversation. Let’s unlock New Zealand’s digital future, together.

Learn more and register today.

Support Cyber Smart Week 2025

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Our lives are increasingly digital, yet many of us don’t safeguard our online presence with the same diligence we apply to our physical world. For example, we consistently use seatbelts in cars and secure our homes and offices, but often neglect similar protection for our online bank, email and social media accounts.

We’re supporting this year’s Cyber Smart Week, running from 6-12 October and encourage all our members to join us, especially given that over half of all New Zealanders have experienced an online incident in the last six months!

Organised by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), this year’s campaign will  continue to emphasise online security, encouraging all New Zealanders, both at home and at work, to adopt simple protective measures.

Sign your organisation up to become a supporter of Cyber Smart Week 2025 and, closer to the time, you’ll receive free material and resources you can share with your employees, customers and communities. This will include ready-to-use materials such as posters, editorial content, a social media pack, challenges, a quiz and more. 

Register here to become a supporter of Cyber Smart Week 2025. 

Introducing the Free to Lead Toolkit

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We are proud to share the Ministry for Women’s Free to Lead: Online Harm Toolkit. It’s  a comprehensive, free online resource designed to empower and support women and their employers to navigate the online world with confidence.

Why this matters:

Research shows that women in high-profile public roles are more likely to experience online harassment and abuse. Around one in three New Zealanders have faced some form of online harm, but women in the public eye are disproportionately targeted – with recent studies revealing widespread harassment of female Members of Parliament, leaders in local government and other public-facing roles. This creates real barriers to women’s participation in leadership, public life and digital spaces, often leading to psychological distress, self-censorship and missed opportunities.

What’s in the toolkit?

Developed in partnership with Netsafe, the toolkit features two practical, interactive modules – one for women and one for employers. It is also supported by a powerful video series, Beyond the Keyboard, featuring high-profile women sharing their lived experiences of online harm and how they’ve navigated these challenges. The women’s module empowers users with strategies to identify, respond to and recover from online harm, information on New Zealand law, and tips for building a safe and confident online presence. The employer module equips organisations with guidance to support their team, build a culture of online safety and respond effectively if harm occurs.

Why is this toolkit needed?

Online harm is on the rise as more of our work, community and leadership activities move into digital spaces. It is vital that safety concerns do not prevent women from stepping into leadership and public roles. The Free to Lead toolkit doesn’t ask women to change the way they engage online—it provides the knowledge, support, and practical steps needed to stay visible and safe, and helps employers create environments where women feel supported, not silenced.

Who is it for?

While designed with women in leadership and public-facing roles in mind, this toolkit is relevant for anyone experiencing online harm and for all employers wanting to foster a safer, more inclusive workplace.

Take action!

The toolkit is available now and it’s free to use. We encourage our members to explore the resources, support colleagues, and be part of a safer, more equitable digital landscape.

Access the toolkit here:

www.women.govt.nz/onlineharm