New Zealand’s digital environment is at a crucial juncture. The key concerns for 2024 are generative artificial (AI) and cyber security. This outlook is detailed in a report by the Telecommunications Users Association of New Zealand, compiled with support from One New Zealand.
New Zealand’s ranking in the Portulans Network Readiness Index dropped from 19th to 22nd place by 2023. This decline reflects the concerns expressed by Chief Information Offices (CIOs), technology leaders and others, including the concentration of AI talent and digital skills and the state high-tech and medium high-tech manufacturing.
The fourth annual TUANZ Aotearoa’s Digital Priorities 2024 report highlights a variety of digital trends and pressing topics. Craig Young, Chief executive officer of TUANZ identified AI proliferation as a key theme.
Young said, “In the last few decades, we’ve seen leaders in digital technology trying to balance technological advancement with supporting business as normal.” It’s clear that our world, and the technology on which we rely, is evolving at an ever-increasing rate.
“To stay ahead of the curve Aotearoa New Zealand’s business and technology leaders must be flexible, adaptive and resilient to unexpected disruptions and challenges,” he said.
Young called for innovative solutions to these challenges, backed up by government support. “We need innovative thinking in partnership with the government to create an atmosphere that supports progressive regulation of emerging technology and data privacy. Especially as AI is fast approaching and is likely impact jobs across the motu,” said Young.
Young also pointed out that the recent Budget did not place enough emphasis on new technologies. “The recent Budget was lacking in new technology focus areas. This feels like a lost opportunity, as New Zealand seeks to improve lagging productivities through high-tech solution,” he noted.
Tony Baird’s insights were also included in the TUANZ Digital Report, which surveyed 36 New Zealand technology leaders. Tony Baird is Chief Technology Officer of One New Zealand. Baird emphasized the rapid adaptation of Kiwi businesses to new technology during the COVID-19 Pandemic and urged that this momentum continue.
“The adoption cloud technology has helped pave a way for emerging opportunities for AI to help augment and assist human workers, freeing up their time to focus on higher-value tasks,” said Baird.
He also stressed the need to navigate data security and ethics along with leveraging these technological advances. Baird said that it is important to learn how to use these tools to our advantage in order to streamline business processes and navigate the challenges of data privacy and ethical policies to protect consumers.
The report also identified other critical priorities, such as building resilience in the face of constant change, embracing off-site and cloud technology, addressing resources constraints, and promoting equity for digital transformation.
Download the “Aotearoa Digital Priorities 2024” report from the TUANZ site.