New Zealand (NZ) stories

Rising claims, digital demands and real-time payments are reshaping how insurers across Australia and New Zealand collect and pay out.

New Zealand risks long-term water and power strain from AI data centres unless regulators toughen scrutiny of their resource footprint.

Wesfarmers is deepening its AI and cloud pact with Microsoft to roll out Copilot tools, agents and data platforms across its retail brands.

Oracle NetSuite launches AI tools and a low-code integration platform to automate finance, planning and customer workflows across its suite.

Auckland agritech firm Hectre raises NZD $12m in an oversubscribed Series A to scale its AI-powered fruit data platform globally.

Shark Beauty’s award-winning CryoGlow cooling LED under-eye mask is set to launch in Australia and New Zealand, with a waitlist now open.

New Zealand AI startup Contented raises AUD $4.1m seed round to speed UK and US expansion and triple headcount in coming months.

Virtual Spotter makes US its biggest market as lean direct debit model cuts gym admin by 65 hours and AUD $1.4k a month per client.

Xero is axing its app store billing by June 2026, forcing developers onto new API-based tiers and their own subscription systems.

Experian integrates Aperture Data Studio with Snowflake AI Data Cloud to run in-platform data quality, governance and compliance workflows.

Datapay links with ELMO in New Zealand to sync HR and payroll data, targeting employers with complex compliance and governance needs.

Christchurch AI startup Contented raises NZD $4.1m seed round to grow its meeting-minutes platform and push into Australia, UK and US.

Cloudera posts surging FY26 growth as enterprises embrace governed hybrid AI, fuelling expansion, fresh hires and multi-cloud innovation.

Geotab has unveiled an AI-led telematics roadmap for Australia and New Zealand fleets, promising smarter safety and broader asset visibility.

Meadow Fresh launches a fantasy league where real New Zealand cows earn points via smart-collar data, with NZD $20,000 up for grabs.

Trans-Tasman small firms are upbeat and boosting tech and marketing, yet consumers report patchy service and missing digital basics.

NetSuite debuts AI finance tools and a low-code integration platform to streamline closes, pricing, reporting and cross-app workflows.

Spark and Icehouse will run free nationwide AI and productivity workshops to help New Zealand SMEs lift performance and overcome tech barriers.

Fujifilm brings its Creator Summit to Melbourne with podcasters Toni and Ryan, Jord Hammond and 20+ sessions spanning photo, film and social.

Stress is surging for New Zealand’s small business owners, with nearly half considering closing as rising costs and tax shocks take their toll.