The global study titled “Trust, attitudes and use of Artificial Intelligence: A global study 2025” reveals that while a significant portion of New Zealanders regularly use AI, their trust in the technology is notably low. Concerns about risks associated with AI are prevalent, indicating a need for improved regulation and assurance.
I have taken the relevant key findings for New Zealand out of the complex report and summarised them below. Overall, this reflects what many of already knew. New Zealander’s do not trust AI and big tech companies and we want AI to be regulated, workplaces lack AI policies and governance, most New Zealanders don’t believe AI benefits outweigh the risks.
These findings are largely reflective across New Zealand employers and employees, Pasifika and Māori communities apart from the strong desire to learn and utilise AI.
Low acceptance and trust in AI
New Zealand is among the lowest-ranked countries in terms of public acceptance of AI within advanced economies, comparable to Australia and the Netherlands. Furthermore, trust in AI systems in New Zealand, trust (34%) and acceptance (15%) of AI are notably low, with acceptance ranking as the ninth lowest among other countries. The lack of trust is a major reason to not use AI.
Only 31% of New Zealanders agree that the benefits of AI outweigh the risks. Globally, New Zealand ranks as the fifth lowest country for regular use of AI systems.
Regulatory concerns
New Zealand is rated lowest for AI regulation adequacy, with 58% saying current laws are insufficient and 73% calling for more regulation.
Preferences for regulating AI in New Zealand lean towards independent regulators or government oversight rather than the AI industry itself. The preferred regulatory approach includes co-regulation by industry, government, existing regulators, international laws, and the government.
AI in the workplace
The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in workplaces within New Zealand is relatively low, accompanied by a lack of trust in its utilization. A significant factor affecting employees’ reluctance to use AI tools at work is the lack of trust, which ranks as one of the top three reasons.
Less than 50% of New Zealanders report having organizational support for AI and responsible use, including AI strategy and culture, support for AI literacy, and responsible AI governance.
In workplaces, 41% use AI, but only 31% trust it. A lack of verification of AI output accuracy is common, with 51% not checking AI-generated results.
Confidence in major technology firms such as Apple, Facebook/Meta, Google/Alphabet, Huawei, OpenAI, and Tencent, as well as commercial organizations like retailers and banks, is relatively low among New Zealanders, with only 46% expressing confidence. Conversely, New Zealanders show higher confidence in healthcare institutions and universities than in big tech, government, and commercial organizations regarding the development and use of AI.
AI Training
Regarding AI knowledge, efficacy, and training, New Zealand ranks tenth lowest, with less than 50% scoring confidently in these areas. New Zealanders interests are in AI training are among the lowest, rating in the lowest 7 countries ranging from 59-67% of interest compared to over 90% in most emerging economies.