The New Zealand Government is extending its AI Advisory Pilot to 30 June 2027, giving another 120 small businesses access to expert help to identify and implement useful AI applications.
Around 150 businesses have already joined the programme. Delivered through the Regional Business Partner Network, it helps businesses develop a tailored AI roadmap and then put it into practice, with government co-funding covering 50% of eligible costs up to $15,000.
Key facts
- Another 120 small businesses will be able to join the programme.
- The pilot has been extended to 30 June 2027.
- Around 150 businesses have participated since its January launch.
- Funding covers 50% of AI roadmap and implementation costs, capped at $15,000.
- Between July 2025 and June 2026, the Regional Business Partner Network co-funded 256 AI-related courses attended by 649 businesses.
- The Government says the programme is intended to help businesses use AI for practical productivity improvements rather than leaving adoption primarily to large organisations.
Our take
This is a sensible approach to accelerating AI adoption in New Zealand. For many smaller organisations, the obstacle is no longer awareness of ChatGPT, Copilot or other AI tools. It is working out which processes are worth changing and how to implement AI without introducing unnecessary privacy, security or operational risks.
The roadmap component is particularly useful. Businesses should identify a small number of measurable use cases, establish their data and governance requirements, then test whether AI actually saves time or improves outcomes before expanding it further.
