Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a present-day business imperative.
While many New Zealand organisations are experimenting with and using AI, very few have a clear understanding of their AI maturity. We’re talking about how effectively AI is integrated into their operations, strategy, and culture. In this article, we unpack what AI maturity means, explore its relevance to NZ businesses, and highlight why understanding your organisation’s AI maturity is the first step toward unlocking real value.
Defining AI Maturity in Business Terms
AI maturity refers to the degree to which an organisation has adopted, integrated, and optimised AI technologies across its operations. It is not just about having AI tools, but about how strategically and responsibly those tools are used. Most maturity models break this down into stages. These stages help businesses benchmark their current position and identify gaps in strategy, data, talent, and governance. We’ll be look more closely at Kambium’s AI Maturity Model in the next article.
Why AI Maturity Matters in the NZ Context
New Zealand’s business landscape is unique. It is dominated by SMEs, shaped by strong primary industries, and increasingly influenced by global digital trends. According to MBIE’s AI Strategy, NZ is focused on adopting AI responsibly, rather than developing proprietary AI technologies.
Here are three reasons why AI maturity is especially relevant for NZ businesses:
1. Global Competitiveness
As AI adoption accelerates globally, NZ firms risk falling behind if they do not evolve. The AI Forum NZ reports that while adoption is growing, many organisations remain stuck in early stages, which limits their ability to compete internationally.
2. Sector-Specific Opportunities
Industries such as agriculture, logistics, and finance stand to gain significantly from AI. For example, Fonterra uses AI for quality control and supply chain optimisation, while Spark NZ leverages AI for customer experience and cloud migration.
3. Public Sector Leadership
Government agencies including NZ Police and MPI are already applying AI in biosecurity and safety. The Public Service AI Framework sets a precedent for ethical and transparent AI use, which private sector organisations can emulate.
Common Barriers to AI Maturity in NZ
Despite the potential, several challenges slow progress:
- Limited digital literacy in some sectors
- Talent shortages in AI and data science
- Siloed data systems that hinder integration
- Trust and ethical concerns, especially around privacy and bias
The AI Forum’s Productivity Report highlights that while technical barriers are falling, trust and governance gaps remain significant. This reinforces the need for structured maturity assessments.
How AI Maturity Aligns with Business Strategy
AI maturity is not just a technology issue, it is a strategic one. Mature organisations:
- Align AI initiatives with business goals
- Invest in data infrastructure and talent
- Establish governance frameworks for ethical AI use
- Monitor performance and continuously improve
In contrast, organisations with low maturity may:
- Waste resources on disconnected AI pilots
- Struggle with data quality and integration
- Face reputational risks due to poor oversight
By understanding where they sit on the maturity curve, NZ businesses can make informed decisions about investment, capability building, and risk management.
Conclusion: AI Maturity Is a Business Imperative
AI is transforming how businesses operate, compete, and innovate. But without a clear understanding of AI maturity, organisations risk misalignment, inefficiency, and missed opportunities. For NZ businesses, assessing AI maturity is not just about technology. It is about strategy, leadership, and readiness for the future. Whether you are a startup exploring AI or a large enterprise scaling its use, knowing your maturity level is the first step toward responsible and impactful AI adoption.