Published Date: 23rd September 2025
The conversation around change and transformation in New Zealand has shifted dramatically. What was once a set of short-term projects, a digital upgrade here or a process tweak there, has become a constant feature of organisational life. Inflation pressures, talent shortages, and the rapid rise of digital tools are forcing leaders to rethink how they build resilience. At the same time, employees are demanding more flexibility, purpose, and trust. Change is no longer an initiative; it is the way business gets done.
Digital Shifts Driving New Ways of Working
Across New Zealand, digital transformation continues to accelerate. The AI Forum’s 2025 report shows that 82% of organisations are now using AI, up 15% from the year before, with 93% reporting efficiency gains. Larger enterprises have been particularly active, with adoption climbing from 48% in 2023 to nearly 67% in 2024 according to NZ Business.
AI and automation are reshaping how decisions are made, how supply chains are forecast, and how teams use their time. In logistics and agriculture, the Internet of Things enables real-time monitoring and efficiency gains. In healthcare, telehealth remains embedded, though still hovering around 20% of primary care appointments according to HiNZ. The overall message is clear: technology is not only an enabler but a permanent driver of change.
Industry Transformation with a Kiwi Flavour
New Zealand’s major industries are each undergoing their own transformation journeys. Agriculture is doubling down on Agri-Tech and precision farming, using data to balance productivity with sustainability. Manufacturing is deepening its Industry 4.0 adoption, with robotics, automation, and digital twins growing by over 10% since 2023 according to Callaghan Innovation.
In food and beverage, producers are innovating to meet rising global demand for sustainable, high-quality products, whether organic or plant-based. Tourism, meanwhile, is embracing digital platforms and immersive experiences to re-engage international visitors. While these changes echo global transformation trends, they are being shaped by uniquely New Zealand conditions, from export market volatility to climate pressures.
Flexibility as a Permanent Expectation
Perhaps the most visible shift is in how people work. By late 2024, nearly 900,000 New Zealanders were working from home in some capacity, with 651,800 hybrid and 240,000 fully remote. Stats NZ also reports that 81% of businesses now offer flexible working hours, rising to almost 90% among larger employers.
Flexible work is no longer a benefit; it is a baseline expectation. Employees now want trust, autonomy, and work-life balance alongside salary. But as this workforce flexibility search shows, the trend is not without tension. Leaders must manage culture, maintain accountability, and design systems that keep employees engaged while still delivering on business goals.
Risks that Cannot be Ignored
The gains of transformation are often accompanied by new risks. Cybersecurity is a prime example. CERT NZ reported 6.6 million dollars in direct financial losses in Q1 2024, underlining how vulnerable organisations remain. Governance and skills gaps are also slowing the uptake of AI and digital tools, especially among small and medium businesses. Without strong leadership and investment in training, these risks can quickly undermine the value of transformation.
What this Means for Employers in 2025
At Beyond Recruitment, we are seeing organisations move away from viewing change as temporary and toward embedding it as a core capability. More businesses are creating permanent roles in change management while still relying on contractors for specialist expertise.
The demand spans:
Organisational Change
Business Change
Process Change
Digital and Technology Transformation
Organisational change is now central. Companies are streamlining, removing redundant roles, and creating new ones to support transformation. For practitioners, this means ongoing opportunities to shape the future of work in Aotearoa.
The Road Ahead
Change and transformation are no longer buzzwords or one-off initiatives. They are the new operating model for New Zealand businesses. Digital disruption, industry innovation, workforce expectations, and security risks are converging to create a landscape where adaptability is the defining skill. For leaders, the challenge is to build structures that can deliver change sustainably. For change practitioners, it means being at the centre of some of the most important shifts in our economy.
If you would like to explore how to build this capability in your organisation, contact Kris Attewell at kris.attewell@beyond.co.nz or get in touch with our team today.
