Following the launch of One NZ’s inaugural AI Trust Report, new regional insights highlight how New Zealanders’ experiences and concerns about artificial intelligence vary across the country.

Juliet Jones, Chief Corporate Officer says: “While the national insights showed that 77% of Kiwis have knowingly used AI-powered services in the past year, these deeper regional findings show there is no single ‘Kiwi view’ of AI. Instead, trust, optimism, and concerns are shaped by local experiences and priorities.”

Otago & Southland: Positive experiences lead the way

People in Otago and Southland emerged as the most positive about their AI interactions. Four in five (80%) respondents reported positive experiences with AI-powered services. This is notably higher than in Taranaki and Manawatu-Whanganui, where just 66% shared positive experiences.

Waikato: Lowest trust and deeper concerns

By contrast, Waikato respondents showed the lowest levels of trust in AI across all sectors. Concerns in this region were consistently higher than the national average:

• 77% worry AI will replace human interaction in customer service (vs 61% nationally).

• 73% fear AI will make incorrect or unfair decisions (vs 62% nationally).

• 56% are concerned AI could be misused for environmental greenwashing (vs 47% nationally).

This combination of low trust and heightened concern suggests businesses face a tougher challenge in building confidence in AI solutions among communities in the Waikato.

Wellington & Wairarapa: Optimistic but demanding accountability

Wellingtonians expressed greater optimism about AI’s potential benefits compared to other regions:

• 46% believe AI could improve public services and infrastructure (vs 31% nationally).

• 50% think AI can help sustainability by reducing business energy use (vs 39% nationally).

However, Wellingtonians are also among the most demanding when it comes to accountability. They are the most likely in New Zealand to stop using a product or service if they had concerns about how AI was being used (80% vs 62% nationally).

This duality underscores the importance of transparency: optimism will only translate into adoption if organisations can prove they are using AI responsibly.

Taranaki & Manawatu-Whanganui: Focus on sustainability risks

In Taranaki and Manawatu-Whanganui, concerns were particularly strong around the environment. More than half (58%) of respondents in these central North Island areas worry about AI being used to greenwash sustainability efforts (vs 47% nationally).

This indicates that for these communities, trust in AI is closely tied to environmental credibility and authentic sustainability action.

Building trust across the country remains paramount

Juliet adds that these regional insights highlight the conversation about AI cannot be one-size-fits-all.

“Our research shows there are strong regional differences across the country in how people see AI ranging from optimism to concern. What’s clear is that trust must be the foundation — businesses need to prioritise transparency, governance, and clear communication if they want New Zealanders to embrace the benefits of AI.

“AI is already part of New Zealand’s future — but how we feel about it today could have big impacts on what we create. This report shows a nation with many views, and we should see that as a strength.”

To download and read the full AI Trust report visit: https://media.one.nz/aireport

-ENDS