What is AI?
AI is where machines, tools or services perform tasks that typically require human-like thinking - like learning, reasoning, solving problems, recognising patterns, and generating text.
AI works in different ways. AI systems use algorithms to process and analyse large amounts of information quickly. Some follow set rules, while others learn from data to improve their results. Machine learning is one type of AI that finds patterns to automatically improve their performance over time.
AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude or Google Gemini can act as assistants that help draft or summarise information. Others act as agents that can take actions on your behalf across multiple systems, such as updating records or sending emails. Agentic AI tools, such as Gumloop, Relay.app and StackAI can save time and automate routine work, but it also carries higher risks.
You may already have access to AI tools in your business through standard or existing applications. For example, Microsoft (Copilot), Google Workspace or Canva. Like any tool, AI has limitations – accuracy can vary and you should always have a person check important outputs.
Why is AI important to businesses?
AI isn’t just for big businesses and big budgets.
AI can be applied in practical ways in the day-to-day running of your business, providing an instant boost in productivity by saving you time, reducing costs and freeing up your day for higher-value work.
As the AI sector grows and shapes how New Zealand does business, adopting it can help you keep up with your competitors – or even stay ahead of them.
AI is a tool like any other, you'll need to assess if its right for your business and how it could add value. With a small amount of learning and experimentation, it can provide a simple but effective step up for your business.
Build your AI skills
The first step to getting started with AI in your business is gaining the skills you need for success, whether that's learning the basics or building on your existing knowledge.
It’s also important to have an experimental mindset when using AI, because you might need to learn by trying something, making mistakes, and trying again.
If you’re starting out with AI, make the most of free training and resources.
You can also connect with your own industry networks and local Chamber of Commerce, to learn from other business owners and their own experiences with AI.
How to get started
If you’re unsure how and where AI can benefit your business, the best way to find out is through a pilot or test. Pick one area of your business and one task that feels repetitive – and use this as your starting point for trialling AI. For example, you could trial AI to draft first versions of customer emails, create summaries of meeting notes, or turn rough bullet points into a polished document.
Try a general‑purpose tool you already have access to, review the result, and build from there.
When starting out with AI, you should follow a Human in The Loop (HITL) model. This means that you always have a person in your processes responsible for operating AI tools, checking their outputs and making final decisions.
Take a responsible approach
Using AI responsibly means you have the knowledge and processes in place, to ensure it has a positive effect on your business and society – not a negative one.
Common risks you’ll need to manage include:
- incorrect answers that sound confident, commonly referred to as hallucinations
- privacy and data security
- potential bias
- over‑reliance on AI without a person reviewing results.
Once you have the right processes in place to support responsible AI use, you'll need to prioritise employee training, so your staff know how to follow them.
Implementing AI in a responsible and ethical way not only benefits your business practices, but it also builds trust with your staff, stakeholders and customers – ensuring long-term success for your AI initiatives.